Steve MacCarthy
Vice President for University Relations
201 Old Main
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-2507
The office consists of six departments:
The Office of the Board of Trustees
Paula R. Ammerman, Director
205 Old Main
814-865-2521
The Board of Trustees is the corporate body established by Penn State's 1855 charter with complete responsibility for the government and welfare of the University including matters pertaining to students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The Board delegates to the University President authority for day-to-day management of the institution, and the establishment of policies and procedures for the educational program and other operations. The Board receives periodic reports on University affairs from the President and his/her designees, and advises the President on any University matter of concern to him/her. The Board of Trustees also carries out certain responsibilities without delegation. These include the selection of the President of the University, the determination of the major goals of the University and the approval of the policies and procedures for implementation of such goals, and the review and approval of the University's operating and capital budgets.
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The Department of Campus and Community Affairs
Barbara Meeker, Director
205 Old Main
814-863-1030
This department is responsible for managing campus and community relations. The department organizes all activities associated with the University's commencement and special academic ceremonies; manages involvement of the University in projects and activities with local municipalities and community organizations; coordinates delegate elections to the Board of Trustees; oversees activities associated with the annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts; provides support to the annual United Way campaign; coordinates the new faculty bus tour of the Commonwealth; manages and schedules tours of campus; oversees the use of campus facilities by groups and organizations; and works on special campus projects throughout the year.
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The Department of Advancement Projects and Communications
Michael Bezilla, Director
301 Old Main
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-4512
Advancement Projects and Communications supports a variety of initiatives designed to increase public awareness of Penn State's reputation and achievements. The department is the primary interface between the news media and the University's private fund-raising program, and also develops and advises on fund-raising publications, especially those that emphasize broad institutional messages. In the general realm of institutional advancement, the department manages the "About Penn State" website, the campus historical markers program, a series of brochures and other publications, and miscellaneous additional initiatives that help the University communicate its mission, needs, and achievements to alumni, friends, and the public.
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Department of Public Information
Bill Mahon, Assistant Vice President for University Relations and
Director of Public Information
309 Old Main
814-863-1028
The Department of Public Information works to position Penn State as a national leader in the integration of teaching, research and public service. The department manages the University's relationship with news, information and entertainment media across the state, nation, and world, and produces news and information about events, people and activities at the University. The department also focuses on promoting the research accomplishments and expertise of faculty. The department develops and markets news articles and story ideas on faculty research and expertise to major media, assists with media interviews, helps prepare guest opinion columns, and connects media with University experts. The department also creates and produces television "spots" for regional and national audiences, as well as videos for a variety of purposes, and produces Intercom for faculty and staff. For further information, call (814)-865-7517.
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The Department of University Marketing
Cynthia Hall, Director,
312 Old Main
814 863 5680
The Department of University Marketing monitors University marketing activities from a central administration perspective. The Department serves as the advocate and point of responsibility for conducting institutional image studies, and is charged with ensuring the sharing of existing research and research tools within the University in order to maximize the use of University dollars. The Department identifies marketing issues, challenges, and opportunities for the institution. For further information, call (814)-863-5680.
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The Department of University Publications
Jeff Hermann, Director
University Support Building I
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1870
This department is responsible for the quality of all University promotional publications. Through a network of University editor representatives in each college, campus, and administrative division, requests for publications are channeled to the appropriate office for production and printing. The college or campus University editor representative is the primary contact for publication assistance.
All student recruitment, fundraising, and major image publications of the University are created by the Department of University Publications, where they are edited, designed, and produced -- and in certain cases, written. The department monitors the quality of other University publications through critiques and training sessions and by setting and maintaining a consistent editorial style and visual identity. Department staff also are available for consultation in assessing publication and promotional needs. For further information, call (814) 863-1870.
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