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University Relations
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Office of University Relations
Under the direction of Darcie Shinberger, director, the Office of University Relations promotes Western Illinois University’s mission and goals to the public.
Shinberger oversees:
- News writers, an editor and office staff;
- Publications staff, who produce high-quality materials supporting Western’s marketing, advancement, development, student recruitment, and orientation and retention efforts;
- Visual Production Center (VPC), which produces graphic and photographic materials in support of instruction, public relations, publications, television and grants;
- Freedom of Information requests; and
- the University's social media initiatives.
University Relations staff work with media representatives, community leaders, state and federal officials, Western administrators, students, faculty, staff and alumni, and the public. The office develops and produces a wide array of publications and other forms of communication designed to disseminate information about the University, its programs, faculty, students and alumni.
Contact Information
- Telephone: (309) 298-1993
- Fax: (309) 298-1606
- E-Mail: U-Relations@wiu.edu
Office Hours
- 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays
- Weekends, after-hours and in emergencies, make contact through the WIU Office of Public Safety, telephone (309) 298-1949.
Postal Address
University Relations Office
Sherman Hall 302
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455-1390
Visual Production Center
The Visual Production Center operations include digital photography, graphic and presentation services.
Office: Tillman Hall 207
Phone: (309) 298-1358
Fax: (309) 298-1149
E-mail: VPC@wiu.edu
Website: wiu.edu/VPC
Services & Resources
Submit Your News Item
- Submit News & Events for News Release
- Submit News for Campus Connection
- Submit Your Item to the Online Public Calendar
University Relations Staff
News
- Darcie Shinberger, director, covers University administration, Board of Trustees, legislative subjects, Clery Act reporting, and matters dealing with the University in general; is the University spokesperson and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) chief officer. Also supervises the Visual Production Center.
- Bonnie Barker, assistant director, beats include fine arts and communication, arts and sciences; Clery Act reporting.
- Teresa Koltzenburg, public information coordinator, beats include School of Agriculture, education and human services, libraries and implementing/overseeing social media.
- Jessica Lambert, webmaster, oversees VPAPS web initiatives; graphic designer.
- Jodi Pospeschil, public information specialist and editor of Western News and Beyond the Belltower blog; beats include business and technology, Women's Center, Office of Student Activities and more.
Publications
- Timothy Engel, publications manager
- Mark Austin, graphic designer
- Caren Bordowitz, graphic designer
- Dave Gravino, pre-press technician
Office
- Anne Wilson, staff clerk
