Staff
Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations
Tysen Kendig, Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations
The associate vice chancellor for university relations is the senior administrative position in the office and the university’s chief communications officer, reporting to the vice chancellor for university advancement. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies to increase public understanding of and support for the university and its programs and goals. The associate vice chancellor supervises the collaborative work of six organizational departments: communications technology services, executive communications, news and editorial communications, publications and creative services, science and research communications, and support services.
Communications Technology Services
Chris Nixon, Director of Communications Technology Services
Daniel Lawson, Communications Technology Program Specialist
Heath Taylor, Communications Technology Program Specialist
Sara White, Communications Technology Design Specialist
The department of communications technology services is responsible for the creation and maintenance of all technology-based communications media, apparatus and initiatives at the university, to include the university’s web domain and presence, content management systems, and communications-specific databases and dissemination services. The unit also is responsible for oversight of all web style guidelines, as well as the coordination of web programmers and designers housed in other colleges, divisions and offices.
Executive Communications
Hardin Young, Manager of Executive Communications
The executive communications department is responsible for the production of presentations, speeches and scripts required by the chancellor and other members of the university’s senior leadership for delivery to a variety of audiences. The unit also develops informational materials, reports, position papers and proposals designed to increase understanding and support for programs, policies and procedures of the university, and serves as a liaison with and contributor to activities within the office of special events and the office of the chancellor.
News and Editorial Communications
Gina King, Director of News and Editorial Communications
Laura Jacobs, Associate Director of Editorial Services/Managing Editor of Arkansas magazine
Danielle Strickland, Manager of Development Communications
Steve Voorhies, Manager of News and Media Relations
Charlie Alison, Manager of Special Projects
Kendall Curlee, Director of Communications, College of Architecture
Scott Flanagin, Director of Communications, Division of Student Affairs
Leslie Lannutti, Director of Communications, College of Engineering
Heidi Stambuck, Director of Communications, College of Education and Health Professions
The department of news and editorial communications is responsible for the reporting and dissemination of all important and noteworthy news and information, at or involving the university, to a broad array of internal and external audiences. The unit is responsible for management of mainstream news media relations at all levels, as well as the coordination of communications staff housed in other colleges, divisions and offices. The unit also is charged with the production of the quarterly alumni publication, Arkansas magazine.
Publications and Creative Services
Roy Cordell, Director of Publications and Creative Services
Eric Pipkin, Manager of Graphic Design Services
Amanda Ryan, Manager of Creative Services
Laura Bennett, Manager of Marketing Design Services
Russell Cothren, Manager of Photographic Services
J.D. White, Photographic Services Assistant
Will Gisler, Manager of Video Production Services
The publications and creative services department is responsible for all visual representations produced in the university’s name and image for broad audiences, to include print publications, graphic design, photography and videography. The unit is responsible for oversight of university-wide graphic standards and correct and appropriate usage of trademarked images of the university. The unit also is charged with developing visual presentations for the chancellor and other administrative offices.
Science and Research Communications
Melissa Blouin, Director of Science and Research Communications
Barbara Jaquish, Science and Research Communications Specialist
Matt McGowan, Science and Research Communications Specialist
The department of science and research communications is responsible for the promotion of all research and discovery involving university students, faculty, programs and university-related initiatives, primarily to national and international media, trade publications and appropriate mainstream media outlets. The unit also is responsible for the production of the university’s research journal, Research Frontiers, as well as the management of the university’s experts database and the cultivation and training of faculty as expert media sources and commentators.
Support Services
Dawn Mabry, Assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor/Research Project Analyst
Don Reith, Budget Coordinator
Terri Brumett, Administrative Assistant
Richanne Kegans, Clerical Assistant
The support services department serves as the first point of contact with university relations and manages all support activity within the office, to include survey research and data compilation, budget management and clerical functions, as well as the coordination of wage and student staffing. Specific projects include disseminating news and information, tracking and distributing daily news clippings and clip packets, scheduling and filing. The unit also provides administrative support to the associate vice chancellor.
