President’s chief assistants receive new titles, redefined roles | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › President’s chief assistants receive new titles, redefined roles President’s chief assistants receive new titles, redefined roles Published: December 04, 2006 Author: Dennis Brown Rev. James E. McDonald, C.S.C., and Frances Shavers, executive assistants to the president at the University of Notre Dame, will receive new titles and redefined responsibilities, effective Jan. 1, according to Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of the University. Father McDonald will become associate vice president and counselor to the president with responsibility for five primary areas: the Universitys relationships with the hierarchy of the Catholic Church and Church matters; liaison with the Board of Trustees; the relationship with the Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dames founding religious community, and instilling the Holy Cross charism in the life of the University; liaison with the president for the budget process; and coordinating selection of the Laetare Medalist, Commencement speaker, honorary degree recipients, and other University awards and honors that come from the presidents office. In addition, Father McDonald will direct Notre Dames Ecumenical Institute near Jerusalem, lead the Latin American and Caribbean Advisory Council, administer the University plane, and serve as Father Jenkinsliaison with the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees. Father McDonalds previous work as liaison to University Relations and other groups will be reassigned. Shavers will take the title chief of staff and special assistant to the president with direct responsibility for coordinating Father Jenkinsschedule, assisting with his preparation for all presidential events, and directing the flow of correspondence. She willremain as the presidents liaison to the athletic department and continue to serve on the Faculty Board on Athletics, assist the Athletics Committee of the Board, and chair the drug-testing committee for student-athletes. In addition, Shavers will remain the liaison to the Social Values and Responsibilities Committee of the Board and serve as co-chair of the University Committee on Diversity. Shavers will relinquish several responsibilities, including community relations, alumni relations and government relations. Those duties will be reassigned. TopicID: 20397 Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn