New executive director named for Alumni Association

June 16, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — One of the nation’s best-known and most-respected professionals in the field of alumni relations has been selected to lead the University of Florida Alumni Association, the university announced today.

Leland Patouillet, associate vice chancellor for alumni relations and executive director of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association, will begin his duties as executive director of UF’s alumni association effective Sept. 1. He will replace Randy Talbot, who resigned last fall after four years in that position to be senior vice president for university advancement and alumni relations at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

As executive director of UF’s alumni association, Patouillet will oversee an organization of 55,000 dues-paying members and more than 100 Gator Clubs throughout the world.

“The pride of The Gator Nation is legendary,” Patouillet said. “I look forward to working with the university and alumni association leadership to engage even more alumni and friends in the life of the institution, and in ensuring that UF continues as one of the country’s top public research universities.”

Patouillet has more than 25 years experience in alumni relations. He has been in his current position at the University of Pittsburgh since 1991. Prior to that, he served six years as executive director for the University of South Florida’s alumni association. He is a charter member of the Council of Alumni Association Executives. Alumni associations Patouillet has led have received numerous awards for excellence from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

“We’re excited that Lee is coming to the University of Florida,” said Paul Robell, UF vice president for development and alumni affairs. “He is widely considered one of the country’s leaders among alumni professionals. He has a wealth of experience and deep Florida roots.”

Terri Parnell, president of the University of Florida Alumni Association, said Patouillet will help the association better serve the university and its alumni and friends.

“The UF Alumni Association is a vibrant, passionate organization. Lee has the energy and experience to bring us to that next level of service and involvement. I look forward to working with him,” Parnell said.

“I have long admired the pride and loyalty that University of Florida alumni have for their alma mater,” Patouillet said. “I am very impressed by the dedication of the staff and the commitment of the volunteers.”

Patouillet was selected from a pool of more than 25 candidates from across the nation. UF President Bernie Machen praised the search committee for its selection.

“It is critical to the university that the person responsible for our alumni association be able to connect with our alumni and friends and inspire them to be active in the life of the University of Florida,” Machen said. “I firmly believe that Lee Patouillet will excel in that role.”

Patouillet received a bachelor’s degree, with honors, in American Studies from the University of South Florida. He went on to earn a master’s in educational psychology at the University of Tennessee and a doctorate in administration and policy studies at the University of Pittsburgh.