MADISON — Sharyn Wisniewski [wis-NEZ-skee], statewide marketing director for the Wisconsin Technical College System, has been named director of public information for the University of Wisconsin System, effective June 21.
In her new position, Wisniewski will be responsible for the news media relations and publications of the UW System Administration and Board of Regents. She will also coordinate Systemwide communications planning, assisted by a four-person staff and in cooperation with public information officers at each UW System institution.
“The director helps communicate the UW System’s mission and goals to a variety of audiences,” said Margaret Lewis, acting vice president for university relations with the UW System. “We were searching for someone with proven communications, marketing and organizational skills, as well as management ability and news media experience. Familiarity with the complexities of working with a higher education system was also a plus. Sharyn has a good combination of everything that’s needed in this position. I look forward to working with her.”
Wisniewski has been with the technical college system since 1991. During that time, the system changed its name (from Vocational, Technical and Adult Education) and adopted an integrated approach to communications and marketing.
Previously, Wisniewski was director of marketing and public relations for Williams, Young & Associates, a Madison accounting and consulting firm (1984-91) and a legislative and press aide to a Wisconsin state senator (1980-84). Earlier, she served as a newspaper reporter in Wisconsin and Indiana (1972-74, 1976-80) and was a contributor to the Wisconsin Business Journal (1983-85). Her academic background includes J.B.A. (1972) and M.A. (1981) degrees in journalism from UW-Madison.
She is a member of the Economic Development Advisory Committee of Forward Wisconsin and the Steering Committee for the Wisconsin Newspaper Associations’ Partners 2000 campaign. Past activities have included leadership positions in the Madison chapter of Women in Communications, Inc., and serving on the marketing committee of the Wisconsin Commission on the Glass Ceiling.
Wisniewski will report to Margaret Lewis. She succeeds Peter Fox, who left the UW System in December and is currently serving as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Employment Relations.
Contact:
Kevin Boatright
(608) 263-2227