Bob Skillen

As Vice-President (Advancement) Bob Skillen oversees the strategic coordination of the alumni, development, donor relations, communications, public affairs, marketing and brand management functions for UNB.

Mission is the focus

The main focus for Bob and his team is the university’s mission.

He and his colleagues develop programs and initiatives that help to build and strengthen UNB’s reputation, develop and nurture relationships and look for ways to have these relationships translate into support for the university in various and many ways; all in support of UNB’s mission.

University ties

A three-time UNB graduate – bachelor’s degrees in physical education and education and a master’s degree in education – Bob has been involved with the university, in a variety of capacities, for more than 30 years and his background is a great fit for the role of Vice-President (Advancement).

From 1990 to 2001, he served as executive director of UNB’s Associated Alumni and of the Alumni Office.  Following a four-year term as president of Greenarm Management Ltd., he returned to UNB in 2005 as a special project manager in the President’s Office and became Chief Advancement Officer in 2006. The office changed to Vice-President (Advancement) in 2011.

In his role as special project manager he was responsible for advancing a number of university projects including the University Commons in Saint John and the Richard J. CURRIE CENTER in Fredericton.

Bob also served on the cabinet for the largest fundraising campaign in the province’s history — UNB’s Forging Our Futures Campaign, which exceeded its original $60-million goal by more than $45 million. 

As a key member of the senior management team Bob works closely with the president in all facets of university advancement.