Contact Us

Office of News and Information

200 Munson Hall
Amherst, MA 01003
Telephone: 413/545-0444
Fax: 413/545-3082
scoop@admin.umass.edu
www.umass.edu/newsoffice

The Office of News and Information works closely with journalists to provide the latest information about faculty and student achievements, the university's programs and policies, and its research accomplishments.

If you need an expert to comment on breaking news or to provide insight for a feature or opinion piece, contact our office. We'll draw upon our knowledge of the university's 1,100 full-time faculty to match you with recognized authorities in their fields.

We're always on call. If you need information for a story after business hours call 413/545-0444, and a recorded message will provide contact information for the staff.

The Staff

Edward F. Blaguszewski, Director
Telephone: 413/545-2986

Blaguszewski joined UMass Amherst in March 2004, coming from Penn State Erie where he served as director of university relations. He has spent time as a national media relations consultant, campus communicator, and journalist (including positions at The Republican in Springfield and The Recorder in Greenfield), and he is a past president of the College and University Public Relations Association of Pennsylvania. He is a 1977 graduate of Boston University with a B.S. in journalism.

Patrick J. Callahan, Associate News Editor
Telephone: 413/545-0496

Callahan joined the news office in November 1996, where he has reported and written on a wide variety of subjects, with a special interest in business, public policy and public health. He previously spent 11 years as political reporter and analyst for the Daily Hampshire Gazette, where he covered state and congressional politics. He is a 1976 UMass Amherst graduate with a B.A. in political science.

Christine A. Davies, Office Manager
Telephone: 413/545-0445

Davies coordinates daily operations of the office, including distribution of the Daily News Summary and news releases, telecommunications service, billing, and ordering. She previously served as office manager for The Campus Chronicle.

Barbara Weiss , Interim Science Writer
Telephone: 413/545-2989

Weiss joined the News Office in December 2007, where she covers science, technology and related research. She earned a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1983 and worked in the field of environmental consulting for more than 20 years. She earned a second bachelor's degree in journalism from  UMass Amherst in 2007.  

Daniel J. Fitzgibbons, Editor of Internal Communications
Telephone: 413/545-2997

Fitzgibbons served on the staff of The Campus Chronicle, UMass Amherst's faculty-staff newspaper, from 1986 to 2004, including 13 years as editor until the weekly ceased publication in favor of the online publication In the Loop. He graduated from UMass Amherst in 1978 with a B.A. in political science.

Office of Public Affairs

The Office of News and Information reports to the Office of Public Affairs, part of the Chancellor's Executive Area.

Richard H. Conner, executive director of Public Affairs, oversees these offices:

Advocacy Programs
Commencement
Community Relations
News and Information
State Government Relations
UMass Amherst Community Campaign