After eight years away James Barnett is coming home to Ontario Tech to grow the “philanthropic culture” at the university.

Barnett, who left his role as a Senior Development Officer at Ontario Tech University in 2014 for a job with Ryerson University, now known as Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), was named Ontario Tech’s Vice-President of Advancement, effective October 3.

Barnett’s role at the Oshawa school will involve furthering the university’s academic mission, community impact and research leadership but a major part of his job will involve building relationships with the university’s community partners, donors and alumni.

“I am thrilled to join Ontario Tech University as Vice-President, Advancement,” Barnett said. “The future of Ontario Tech and its students is one worth investing in. I am excited to share that message with our partners and advance the university’s culture of giving.”

Barnett, whose last role at TMU was Executive Director of Advancement, has 16 years experience in fundraising. In addition to Ontario Tech and TMU, his experience in the field includes the Lakeridge Health Foundation and Red Deer College.

The Advancement office’s ongoing initiatives include:

Women for STEM: Supports female students in fulfilling their potential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-based fields; participation in the Women for STEM Summitt on October 12.

Student Relief Fund: Provides help with food, housing, utilities, transportation, clothing and medical expenses for students who have experienced unexpected financial hardships over the last couple of years.

Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor at Ontario Tech, said Barnett’s experience in creating, building and implementing advancement “development strategies” will be an asset to the university and all our students as he “helps share our incredible story.”

“I look forward to working with James to ensure Ontario Tech attains the philanthropic support required to support its bold vision.”