Becoming A Saluki
The new executive director for the SIU Alumni Association is building a connection to campus
BY CALEB HALE
Jeff Gleim arrived at SIU Carbondale in December aware of two things — the origins of the Saluki dog and the fact the university was a major research institution with a handful of nationally revered programs. The rest he’d have to learn on the fly.
In subsequent weeks, Gleim said he’s had a crash course on almost everything SIU has to offer, and while the road ahead as the SIU Alumni Association’s new executive director will be challenging, the prospects are extremely promising.
“This campus has new leaders and a new strategy forming,” Gleim said. “We’re right at the start of it, and what really attracted me to this job was the opportunity to have an impact on the institution, alumni, the campus community and staff during these transitions.”
Gleim has been in alumni relations for 27 years, first at The Ohio State University and most recently with Pitt Alumni Association at the University of Pittsburgh. There he held positions as associate executive director, senior executive director for alumni operations and associate vice chancellor and executive director. Among his accomplishments were bolstering alumni constituency groups, building a legislative advocacy program for alumni, as well as growing association programs, partnerships, and student activities.
SIU will be his final stop before retirement, and Gleim said what’s ahead will make for a rewarding final chapter on his career.
“We’re just closing out SIU’s 150th anniversary celebration, and while it’s great to look back on the amazing — and often unexpected — things this university has done, the milestone also means moving forward and thinking about what this place will look like in another 150 years,” he said. “None of us really know, but I get the sense, in talking with people around campus, we’re all eager to start discovering what could happen next.”
Finding roots
Gleim’s occupancy of the Association’s executive director chair is unique in that he’s the first in many decades not to personally be a graduate of SIU. With much of the staff having that connection and in the stories he’s heard from alumni so far, finding a sense of family isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
“I don’t have that personal connection an alum of this university would, but what I do have is the opportunity to hear the stories of 250,000 people who are alumni and know what makes this place special,” Gleim said. “And the enthusiasm alumni have for SIU is infectious. I’ve really never seen anything like it, and I’m intrigued to learn more about how deep this pride goes.”
Gleim will achieve a more personal tie to SIU in the fall, however. His youngest son, Tyler, will become a student, with a plan to study sports management.
Meanwhile, he’s absorbing the legacy of success and achievement in SIU’s story, learning about new programs and initiatives starting up, and working with the Association staff on new ways to bring alumni closer than ever to their alma mater.
“All of this is why I came to SIU,” Gleim said. “Around here we say, ‘Once a Saluki, Always a Saluki.’ I think I’m starting to get what that means. Once you’re in, there’s no way you want to step away from it. So, I’m in, I’m ready, and I’m proud to be a part of this next phase.”
GET TO KNOW JEFF
Favorite Sports Team?
Obviously, the Salukis! But I have two long-standing loyalties — the Cincinnati Reds and the Cincinnati Bengals.
What’s on your music playlist?
In no particular order: George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Eagles, Frank Sinatra, AC/DC, and Van Halen.
All-time favorite movie?
Smokey and the Bandit
Favorite books?
Vince Flynn’s / Kyle Mills’ Mitch Rapp Series
Anything by David Baldacci
When not working, what are you doing?
Most likely spending time with my wife, Michelle, and our two dogs — Reese and Buster
Preferred Foods?
All-time favorite is pizza
Favorite Quote?
I have two:
“You play to win the game.” — Coach Herm Edwards.
“Do your job.” — Coach Bill Belichick
This article is excerpted from the Winter 2019 SIU Alumni Magazine and is offered as a courtesy to all alumni during our current national health emergency. Stay safe, #Salukis.
