Institutional Communications has had a structure that gradually adapted to changes at the University of Wyoming over the past decades, but it's not suited to the university as it's now evolving, with its focus on excellence across all academic areas, and particularly in energy programs.
To meet UW's changing needs, the university's communications office also must change, to move away from just-in-time service to strategic communications planning. To accomplish that, the Media Relations structure, with a manager and two coordinators, has been deleted. In its place is created a group of three communications specialists, with some administrative support, who report to the director of Institutional Communications.
Each of the specialist positions has associated with it an area of expertise: Jim Kearns, internal communications; Steve Kiggins, external communications; and Milton Ontiveroz, community relations. Jane Wolfinbarger, in addition to her duties as one of the university's operators, will give administrative support for communications.
This is not an expansion of the department; rather, it is a realignment to meet UW's communications demands.
