Victor Taylor Named Director of Partnership Resources

The Office for External Partnerships (OEP) — Duke’s newest office to proactively engage with corporations and other potential external partners — welcomes Victor Taylor as Director of Partnership Resources.

“We are excited and very fortunate to have Victor join the External Partnerships team,” said George Truskey, Associate Vice President for Research. “Victor’s experience facilitating mutually-beneficial relationships with companies and his deep connections within Duke will be paramount for Duke’s future in corporate relations.”

Taylor joined Duke’s University Development Office as Associate Director of Corporate Relations in early 2008, and since then has distinguished himself as a valued and resourceful colleague. His focus has always been on building relationships between Duke and industry partners, first seeking to understand business challenges and then to connect colleagues at Duke who could help offer solutions to companies. He has developed an extensive network of colleagues across the campus and the Duke Health System whom he can engage to find just the right partners for companies seeking Duke research and talent.

Over the past several years, Taylor has spearheaded Duke’s Pan-University Corporate Relations group which shares best practices and industry opportunities. He has been a champion for cooperation, collaboration, and the improved sharing of information — accumulating historical data from many of Duke’s industry engagements that includes identifying key alumni, parents, and friends at partner organizations.

Taylor is currently team lead for many of Duke’s strategic relationships including Bank of America, Cisco, Deloitte, General Motors, IBM, and Wells Fargo. A 2019 graduate of the Duke Leadership Academy, Taylor also serves as Duke’s primary representative to the UIDP (University Industry Demonstration Partnership).

As Director of Partnership Resources for the Office for External Partnerships (OEP), Taylor will identify contacts in the various schools, institutes, and centers to meet with companies and assist in meeting planning. In addition, he will review and edit proposals developed by faculty and other staff to present to companies.