University Relations

Helping You Tell the Story and Communicate the Achievements of UMass Amherst

University Relations harnesses the resources and expertise of our broad portfolio to support the work you do to ensure that the powerful message of UMass Amherst reaches all of our audiences, both internal and external.

We’ll use our network of relationships, knowledge, and experience all across campus to help you. Whether you’re recruiting students, fundraising, communicating new and exciting research projects, or helping to foster a diverse and inclusive campus climate—we have the tools you need. 

As the in-house public relations and marketing firm for UMass Amherst, we can also help you with crisis communications, reputation management, branding, marketing strategy, email and other mass communications, customer relationship management, writing and editing, graphic design, web design and production, event planning, media relations, social media, video, and photography. 

UMass Amherst is a premier national public research university and the flagship campus of the commonwealth. In this era of instant communication, telling the university’s story in a factual and compelling way requires a lot of work. When you’re tasked with letting people know the impressive story of what’s happening at UMass Amherst, University Relations can give you the support you need. 

Sam the Minuteman poses in front of a table staffed by students distributing UMass t-shirts

The Work You Do Matters

It's our job to support you in the work you do in communicating what's so special about UMass Amherst. Let us show you how we can collaborate with you to help maximize your impact and reach.

Community Relations & University Events

Building and Maintaining Connections

Whether you are a member of UMass Amherst or one of the many local communities in the region, the Office of Community Relations and University Events (CRUE) is here to help facilitate collaboration and promote opportunities. We help bring faculty, staff, and students together with community organizations, businesses, and residents to make sure UMass Amherst is the most vibrant place it can be.

Nancy Buffone

Community Relations & University Events

Nancy Buffone

Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations

Spreading awareness of major university events and fostering connections with the off-campus community.

Build a relationship with CRUE Build a relationship with CRUE

News & Media Relations

Tell Us Your Story—We'll Help You Share It

You have a story to share with the public—research, grants, events, accomplishments, innovative programs, community outreach, or any number of other exciting things happening at UMass Amherst. Our team can help you get your story out to people who want to hear it. 

The promotion we do of UMass Amherst captures attention all over the world. In fiscal year 2025, the university received more than 12,000 earned media mentions. That's worth millions of dollars in equivalent advertising value. 

Emily Gest

News & Media Relations

Emily Gest

Associate Vice Chancellor for News and Media Relations

Helping you promote the amazing work of UMass Amherst faculty, staff, and students to regional, national, and international journalists—as well as a wide variety of social media audiences.

Let us help share your story Let us help share your story

Government Relations

Advocating for UMass Amherst in the Commonwealth

The Office of Government Relations is your connection between UMass Amherst and the state of Massachusetts. We're helping you advocate for the interests of the university and cultivate productive relationships with leaders in government. We're also working to raise the profile of the flagship Amherst campus in Boston. 

Collegiate M

Government Relations

Natalie Blais

Associate Vice Chancellor of Government Relations

Supporting your work by advocating for UMass Amherst among federal and state legislators and policymakers.

Let the Office of Government Relations be your voice Let the Office of Government Relations be your voice

Marcom

Supporting the Goals of UMass Amherst

We're here to support you in everything from recruitment and enrollment to working with UMass Athletics to promote the amazing events happening here on campus. We have the expertise to work with you in developing the marketing materials you need: promotional campaigns; digital (e.g., online, mobile) placements; television, radio, print, and electronic advertising and collateral; video; email campaigns; and much more. 

Lisa Ryan

Marcom

Lisa Ryan

Chief Marketing Officer

Helping you support the UMass Amherst brand by developing and implementing promotional strategies and creating marketing communications.

See what Marcom can do for you See what Marcom can do for you

Issues Management

Responding to the Needs of the University

The Office of Issues Management, led by the associate vice chancellor for issues management (AVCIM), partners with leadership across the university to anticipate, avert, and mitigate issues that have the potential to disrupt the university.

Headshot of Samuel Masinter

Issues Management

Samuel Masinter

Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications

Here to anticipate emerging issues and enable a timely, consistent, and structured response to university incidents and crises.

Learn how the Office of Issues Management supports the university Learn how the Office of Issues Management supports the university
UMass campus aerial view

UR Strategic Plan 2025–2030

Mission

Our work is foundational to the success of UMass Amherst: We elevate the university by stewarding its reputation and telling the story of its significant contributions in advancing the boundaries of knowledge for the common good.