Responsibility

The Office of University Relations is responsible for helping to create a positive image of the university with audiences important to the university’s future. The office works closely with campus departments to communicate the university’s commitment to high-quality teaching, research and commitment to the southern Colorado region.

Specific areas

Media Relations

The Office of University Relations serves as the university’s official communication link to local, regional and national media. In many cases, University Relations serves as official university spokespersons. In other cases, University Relations works actively with faculty to publicize their work at the university or to link media members in search of faculty expertise. Faculty and staff are encouraged to work in coordination with University Relations when contacted by the media or to develop publicity plans to highlight research, service and teaching.

Internal Communications

University Relations is also responsible for the university’s internal communications. The office produces Communique, a weekly (Fall and Spring semesters) on-line newsletter for faculty and staff. University Relations also works in coordination with Information Technology to maintain an all-university calendar of events.

Personnel

Tom Hutton, director. A member of the UCCS professional staff since Dec. 1999, Hutton serves as the director of the Office of University Relations.
Prior to joining UCCS, Hutton served as director, interim director and associate director of the Office of University Relations for the University of Kansas (1990-1999). He worked as a newspaper reporter, editor and manager in Kansas, Iowa and California (1983-1990).
He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado at Denver and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. He is a native of Kansas City, Kan.

Amber Disney, student assistant. A senior communication major from Cotopaxi, Colo., Disney works as a student assistant for the Office of University Relations. Her specific responsibilities include maintaining the university calendar and tracking media mentions of the university. She also contributes to Communique and assists with media relations. In addition to her responsibilities with University Relations, she works as a resident assistant for the Office of Residence Life and Housing at UCCS. She completed a public relations internship at Memorial Hospital and plans to graduate in May 2007.

Laura Eurich, contributor. Eurich is a frequent contributor to Communique and assists with media relations. She is an instructor in the Department of Communication where she teaches courses in public relations and writing. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from UCCS and a master’s in communication from the University of Colorado at Denver. She previously worked for more than 10 years in reporting and editing positions in the media, including the Colorado Springs Gazette.