City Times Staff

STEVENS POINT — UW-Stevens Point have selected a new interim leader of the University Communications and Marketing Department.

According to an email sent to staff by CHancellor Bernie Patterson, Barbara J. Owens will take over that spot. She is a corporate communications professional with experience in higher education.

“Barbara J. Owens, who heads her own communications consultancy, has agreed to step into the role on a part-time basis. She serves as vice president and senior strategy adviser for BVK, the Milwaukee ad agency developing UW-Stevens Point’s new branding campaign. Barbara has more than 30 years of experience in corporate communication roles for global companies. She was chief communications officer for Owens-Illinois, the world’s largest glass container manufacturer, and most recently led the marketing and communications department at The University of Toledo.

Barbara will oversee operations of UCM, work with the team to more strategically support the goals of the university, oversee development of marketing and communications strategy, launch the new brand campaign and provide counsel to UW-Stevens Point.

She succeeds Gary Wescott, who left the university in June after serving as interim executive director of UCM for four years.

We greatly appreciate all that Gary did for the university. He built many strong, collaborative relationships and laid the foundation for a more marketing-focused department. Barbara brings a wealth of experience in this area, and we are confident that she will help UCM continue to strengthen its strategic marketing abilities to advance the goals of the university.

Please join me in welcome Barbara to UCM and UW-Stevens Point.” – Chancellor Bernie Patterson