College Relations and Communications
Who We Are
The College Relations and Communications Office is the strategic communications, engagement, and industry relations unit of the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. We champion the college’s mission in research, teaching, and extension by delivering bold, purposeful communications and cultivating meaningful relationships with stakeholders across Pennsylvania, the nation, and beyond.
We serve as trusted advisors, storytellers, conveners, and connectors—committed to amplifying the college’s impact, building trust, and driving engagement with audiences who shape and support our shared success.
What We Do
We lead and support a wide range of strategic initiatives that elevate the college’s visibility, reputation, and influence. Our work includes:
- Strategic Communications & Media Relations: Promoting the college’s research, programs, and people through compelling storytelling and targeted outreach.
- Branding & Public Relations: Ensuring consistent, impactful messaging that strengthens the college’s identity and market position.
- Reputation & Crisis Management: Advising leadership on sensitive issues and protecting the college’s public image.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Building connections with alumni, industry, government, and community partners to foster collaboration and support.
- Government Relations & Legislative Support: Serving as the college’s conduit for engaging with government relations, ensuring compliance with AD50, and facilitating official communications with state and federal officials. We help position the College and Penn State Extension’s strategic priorities with key advocates and funders at the county, state, and federal levels.
- Industry Relations: Managing strategic partnerships and engagement through the Penn State Ag Council and Dean’s Leadership Council, aligning college priorities with stakeholder needs and amplifying the college’s role in shaping the future of agriculture.
- Professional Event Management: Delivering expert planning and support for college events, conferences, and noncredit programming.
- Consulting Services: Advising college units on best practices in communications, branding, and outreach.
We work in close alignment with University Strategic Communications to ensure cohesion with Penn State’s brand standards and policies.
Our Team
Our team is composed of experienced professionals in writing, editing, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and event planning. We are:
- Collaborative: Working across departments and with external partners to support shared goals.
- Strategic: Aligning our efforts with college priorities to maximize impact and return on investment.
- Service-Oriented: Providing responsive, high-quality support to faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
- Innovative: Embracing new tools, platforms, and approaches to meet the evolving needs of our audiences.
- Mission-Driven: Dedicated to advancing the college’s excellence in agriculture, science, and education.
To initiate a communications project or explore partnership opportunities, please submit a request.
