Announcing Three New Appointments

October 1, 2014

To the JU community,

I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Fleming as Chief Government, Military & Community Relations Officer; Terri Davlantes as inaugural Executive Director of the new Entrepreneurism, Policy, Innovation & Commerce (EPIC) initiative; and Diana Donovan as Director, Office of the President, all effective Oct. 1.

These three exemplary individuals are outstanding additions to our senior staff and community, with a wealth of experience, dedication and talent.

Mike is a retired Brigadier General and distinguished military veteran, and was most recently Managing Director of Deutsche Bank. With a stellar four-decade career, he brings deep senior-level executive leadership experience in multiple positions. Mike will be responsible for developing and enhancing our relations with key government, community and military leaders and representing crucial priorities and policies of the University. His unique background and extensive strategic relationships will serve JU well as we continue to expand our reach into the community.

Among his numerous accomplishments, he led and grew Deutsche Bank Jacksonville from 700 to more than 1,400 employees; served as the Assistant Adjutant General responsible for more than 10,000 Florida Army National Guard soldiers; helped coordinate the Florida Army National Guard’s development of a comprehensive mobilization plan immediately after 9/11; led a team that analyzed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Partnership for Peace, resulting in a report published by Harvard University; and led an 800-soldier unit delivering logistics, supplies, maintenance and health support services to forces of up to 10,000 personnel.

Terri, formerly Vice President of Strategy and General Counsel for Florida Coastal School of Law, has become well-recognized over her 34-year career as a leader with highly advanced skills in academic program startup and marketplace innovation. She will work to develop the recently announced EPIC into a premier research, education, policy and engagement initiative that helps boost Florida’s economic development and equips JU graduates with high-demand cross-disciplinary skills. Terri will manage our efforts across campus and the community to achieve the ongoing initiatives of EPIC.

Among her many achievements, she has overseen corporate development, strategic planning and execution, accreditation and management of faculty and staff at Coastal Law; launched the JD/Masters in Public Policy joint degree with Jacksonville University; helped begin the LL.M. degree and Certificate program in Transportation and Logistics Regulation at Coastal Law, the first of its kind in the United States; started the Center for Law Practice Technology; helped lead design and relocation of the law school from an 88,000-square-foot facility to a 225,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art campus; and played a key role in the American Bar Association (ABA) accrediting process for the law school. She is also immediate past Chair of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority Board and a current board member since being appointed by Florida Gov. Rick Scott in 2011.

JU 2011 alumna Diana Donovan joins us in the newly created position of Director, Office of the President. Diana is one of our most enthusiastic and accomplished graduates, and was most recently Director of Scheduling for Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown’s administration. Previously she was a JU Admissions Event & Visitation Coordinator and a JU Ambassador. Diana won the JU “Dolphin Award" in 2011 for leadership, as well as the "Miss Dolphina" Award as a student. In her new role, Diana will provide support and leadership in interactions with alumni, donors, current and prospective students, parents and JU athletes.

Please welcome these excellent individuals to our staff. They will help lead JU as we continue to offer the finest student educational experience and contribute to the growth and quality of life in our region.

Sincerely,

Tim Cost
President
Jacksonville University
Class of 1981