Bill Mahon

• Vice President for University Relations
• 309 Old Main
• University Park, PA 16802
• (814) 865-7517

The office consists of five departments:

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; 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.

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.

Department of Public Information

• 312 Old Main
• 814-865-7517
• Lisa Powers, Director
• Annemarie Mountz, Assistant Director
• Jill Shockey, Manager of the News Bureau
• Curtis Parker, Manager of Visual Communications
• Vicki Fong, Assistant Director, Science, Engineering and Research Communications, 1 College Ave. Annex, 814-865-9481

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 videos for a variety of purpose. For further information, call (814)-865-7517.

The Department of University Marketing

• Cynthia Hall, Director
• 312 Old Main
• 814 863 5680
• Cyndee Graves, Assistant Director, University Marketing and Advertising
• Sara Simcox, Manager, Marketing Research

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.

The Department of University Publications

• Jeff Hermann, Director
• University Support Building I
• University Park, PA 16802
• 814-863-1870
• Karen Magnuson, Assistant Director of University Publications and Manager of the University Editor Representative System
• Joan Scholton, Manager, Communication Accounts
• Rick Villastrigo, Manager, Visual Communications
• Sally Heffentreyer, Manager, Writing and Editing

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.