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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.

Visual and Creative Services

Roy Cordell
Director of Visual 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

John Cooper
Video Production Specialist

The visual 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.