Rob Carolin named Chief of Staff

Rob Carolin, longtime director of Alumni & Public Relations at the UND School of Law, will join UND President Andy Armacost’s office as Chief of Staff.

As Chief of Staff, Carolin will be a “key advisor to the president, providing counsel on strategic and operational issues,” as the job description for the position states. The Chief of Staff also manages and directs day-to-day operations of the president’s office, leads strategic planning efforts, manages projects and coordinates with the other members of the Executive Council.

“I’m thrilled to announce Rob Carolin as our new Chief of Staff,” President Armacost said.

“In his years of service to UND, Rob has been known for his ability to create meaningful relationships, to catalyze efforts to achieve our institutional mission and to think strategically about our future.  Those characteristics — along with many others — make Rob the perfect person to serve in this role as strategic advisor, planner and doer.”

The Chief of Staff position has been vacant since before President Armacost took office in June.

Carolin has worked at the University of North Dakota throughout his professional career. Originally from Rochester, Minn., he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UND. He began his career in the University’s Office of Enrollment Services in 1989, where he helped lead the efforts for undergraduate recruitment and marketing.

Carolin joined the UND Foundation staff in 2001, working as a development officer focused on planned giving, and ultimately became the development officer assigned to the Law School.  In 2005, Carolin joined the law school staff as Director of Alumni and Public Relations, and he has worked in that position ever since.

Carolin’s UND service has been recognized with numerous institutional awards and honors. His start date as Chief of Staff is being coordinated with the School of Law to ensure a smooth transition of duties.

“I love UND, and I’m truly honored and grateful to have this opportunity to serve the University in the Chief of Staff role,” Carolin said.  “I look forward to working with President Armacost and others in implementing his vision to keep moving UND forward.”