Patricia R. VandenBerg is the
College's new executive director of communications and strategic
initiatives.
Patricia R. VandenBerg, an academic administrator, communications consultant, and professor with more than twenty years of experience, has been named executive director of communications and strategic initiatives. This expanded position combines the responsibilities of the director of communications position, vacated by Cheri Cross in November 1998, with additional duties relating to strategic planning. VandenBerg, who started at MHC September 7, reports to both President Joanne Creighton and Jane Brown, dean of enrollment. VandenBerg also holds an appointment as adjunct lecturer in theatre arts.
In addition to her primary responsibilities as chief marketing strategist for the College and manager of the Office of Communications, VandenBerg will spend approximately one-third of her time working directly with President Creighton developing and launching new strategic programs emanating from the Plan for 2003. These initiatives will likely be aligned with the work of the Harriet L. and Paul M. Weissman Center for Leadership and will be targeted to a variety of audiences, including high school students and alumnae.
"My goal is to position Mount Holyoke advantageously in the competitive marketplace and to ensure that our reputation matches our extraordinary quality," says VandenBerg. "I have always been personally and professionally committed to the liberal arts, women's education, and leadership. I am thrilled to be affiliated with an institution that has such a proud heritage in these areas."
VandenBerg comes to MHC from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she had been assistant vice chancellor for communications and marketing since 1996. During her tenure at UMass, she taught courses in communications skills and strategies in the MBA program there and in Smith College's management program for executive women. VandenBerg also consults to a wide variety of public and private organizations on leadership, management, and communication. Published in both scholarly and popular journals, she has authored articles on communication, management, theater, and gender issues.
Prior to moving to Massachusetts in 1994, VandenBerg was director of theatre and professor of communications arts and sciences at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she earned her own B.A. degree. She completed her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Michigan." Patricia has a particular commitment to the liberal arts and women's education, and much of her own scholarly work has addressed related topics," says President Creighton.
In a further restructuring of the communications office, Kevin McCaffrey has been promoted to associate director of communications. In his expanded role, he will continue to direct the College's media relations program and will work closely with VandenBerg to develop and implement a long-range positioning and marketing plan for Mount Holyoke. McCaffrey will also focus on strengthening the College's governmental relationships. He has served as MHC's news services director since 1993 and as interim director of communications since Cross's departure. McCaffrey served with distinction as interim director, helping orchestrate one of MHC's most successful years in communications--a year marked by significant press coverage, the production of excellent publications, and the launching of a number of new marketing initiatives.
"Patricia and Kevin bring outstanding professional skills and abundant creative energy to their new roles. We look forward with great enthusiasm to increased visibility for the College and the strengthening of our competitive position in the educational market that their leadership will provide," says Creighton.
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