"I'm just delighted to be joining Rochester's communications team. The University of Rochester is a remarkable university with a distinguished past and bright future," Murphy says.
Chosen from a pool of national candidates, Murphy will lead the central Office of Communications as well as communication groups based at schools and divisions throughout the University in an effort to raise the school's national profile, create a stronger institutional identity, and improve internal communications.
"With Bill's appointment, the University will jump-start a communications process that more consistently and proactively communicates our strengths and potential," says President Seligman. "He has the experience and diplomatic skill to make substantial improvements in communication both within and outside the University.
"In selecting an experienced, results-oriented communications strategist and by elevating the function to a cabinet-level appointment, I am sending the message that communications is critical to the success of this University. It's the start of a new era in our relationships with our internal, local, national, and international audiences."
Murphy served as vice president for university relations and special assistant to the president at Ohio State University, was associate chancellor for public affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and began his career at the University of Chicago where he ultimately served as assistant vice president for university news and publications. Search committee members and University leaders alike say that they were impressed with his experience and practicality. His references included a number of former and current university presidents.
"I had the great pleasure of working with Bill Murphy at the University of Chicago. In addition to being an outstanding communications professional, Bill understands the mission of a great university," says Hugo Sonnenschein '61, president emeritus of the University of Chicago and a member of the Board of Trustees. "He is just the right person to increase awareness of the wonderful work that goes on each day at the University of Rochester."
Given his experience at a number of similar universities, Murphy brings deep expertise in institutional identity, national media relations, internal communications, issues management, and marketing and development communications, areas Seligman and University trustees have defined as key priorities. In addition, he has played vital roles as a member of the steering committee of the Science Coalition and the public affairs committee of the Association of American Universities.
"It was immediately obvious to the search committee and other senior leaders that Bill had carefully researched the University and was the right choice for this job," says Doug Phillips, senior vice president for institutional resources. "He came prepared with insightful, creative ways to address both the challenges and opportunities facing the University."
Seligman welcomed Murphy at a reception on February 6 that was attended by academic and administrative leaders, search committee members, local trustees, and communications staff. During the reception, Seligman thanked Robert Kraus, former associate vice president for public relations who is now overseeing communications for the Office of Development, and Teri D'Agostino, director of public relations and communications at the Medical Center who is serving as interim director for the Office of Communications, for their efforts in aiding the transition. He also thanked the search committee, chaired by Phillips and composed of academic, administrative, and communications leaders from across the University.
Maintained by Office of Communications
Murphy named VP for Communications
illiam (Bill) Murphy, a nationally prominent communications expert, has been named the University's Vice President for Communications. Murphy will bring more than 25 years of experience in higher education to the newly created post when he assumes the position in mid-March.
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