Skip to main content

University of Connecticut, University Communications Office Records

 Collection
Identifier: 1995-0007

Scope and Contents Note

The collection contains administrative records, correspondence, notes, publications, media contacts, student and faculty activity information, biographical files, departmental communications, news releases, published/distributed campus-wide communications such as UConn Chronicle, UConn Advance, Announce-L, and Daily Digest, from 1979 to present.

Archives & Special Collections also holds the records of the Office of Public Information, Athletic Communications (Sports Information), the Papers of Walter Stemmons as many of the publications produced by these offices.

Dates

  • 1966 - 2009

Access

The collection is open and available for research.

Restrictions on Use and Copyright Information

Permission to publish from these Papers must be obtained in writing from the owner(s) of the copyright.

History

The University Communications Office has a long and varied history beginning with the University Editorial Office which opened in 1922 under the direction of Walter Stemmons, College Editor. In 1954, after Mr. Stemmons retired, the office was renamed to reflect its broadened responsibilities. The Division of Communication, directed by John H. Gleason, had four subdivisions: General News (News Office), Sports Information, University Photography (Photo Lab), and Publications-Central Duplicating. In 1962, Donald Friedman became head of the office. In 1964, the name was again changed, this time to Office of Public Information and Publications. This office absorbed University News, Sports Information, Photography, Publications, and Central Duplicating. In 1967, Raymond J. Buck became Director of University Publications when the Office became the Office of Public Information (OPI). Friedman continued to work for Buck as director of OPI until 1977 when Walter S. McGowen became the director. Sports Information was transferred to the Division of Athletics in 1977/1978. In 1986, the office was renamed the Office of University Relations and Karen Grava Williams was named Director of Institutional Relations. The following year, the office was divided into two offices: Institutional Relations and University Publications. Although the responsibilities of the unit have remained pretty much the same, by 2005 was known as University Communications and was responsible for strategic marketing and planning to promote the University's image and enhance its reputation among key local, regional and national audiences. On the Storrs campus the work was carried out by seven units: Design Services, Internet Services, Lodewick Visitors Center, Marketing Services, Multimedia Services, University Events, and University News and Information. Under different directors and changes across the campuses, University Communications in 2019 is comprised of the following departments: News and Editorial, Strategic Marketing, UConn Health Marketing, Social Media, Multimedia, Internal Communications, Public Records and UConn Magazine.

University Communications continues to serve as the primary source of UConn news and information and to promote the University as a national leader in higher education, research, and service.

Extent

31.45 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The office of University Communications is responsible for strategic marketing and planning to promote the University's image and enhance its reputation among key local, regional and national audiences. Supporting this endeavor on the Storrs campus are several units: News and Editorial, Strategic Marketing, UConn Health Marketing, Social Media, Multimedia, Internal Communications, Public Records and UConn Magazine. The communications office is the primary source for current news and information about the university.

Title
University of Connecticut, University Communications Office Records
Status
Under Revision
Author
Archives & Special Collections staff
Date
2010
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Archives and Special Collections, University of Connecticut Library Repository

Contact:
University of Connecticut Library
405 Babbidge Road Unit 1205
Storrs Connecticut 06269-1205 USA US
860-486-2524