James Stofan has been named associate vice chancellor of alumni relations. He is now in charge of administrating the alumni relations program as well as outreach to Vanderbilt's 121,000 alumni worldwide.

The former director of alumni relations for the University of California system said he is excited and honored to join the Vanderbilt community.

The Alumni Association helps Vanderbilt's alumni stay in touch with each other and with the university. Each year the association finds ways for alumni to learn about, work with, and help the university and each other.

Having held the office for just three weeks, Stofan said he already has begun the framework for implementing changes in alumni relations. He said he plans to engage more alumni and bring them closer to the university over the next three to five years. Similarly, the Alumni Association will work in conjunction with the Office of the Dean of Students to enhance programming and services to current students, as well as bring more former student leaders back to campus and enhance services through the Career Center.

"Students should know the importance of staying tied to their university, and I hope to help foster closer relationships between students, the university and alumni," Stofan said.

Vanderbilt News Service contributed reporting to this article.