Brigham Young University. Public Communications

Public Communication was responsible for overseeing mass media on all levels, local all the way up to international. Directors for Public Communications included Paul C. Richards (1978-1991), Margaret Smoot (1991-1994), Brent Harker (1994-1997). In 1997, Lee Bartlett assumed control of Public Communications and the name was changed to University Communications.

Description

Established: 1978

Abolished: 1997

Location: Provo, Utah (1978-1997)

Functions

The main function and purpose of Public Communications was to act as the official university channel for interacting with mass media at local, state, regional, national, and international levels. This meaning they worked with broadcasting on campus, various publications including BYU Today, and Fine Arts News and Features.

Assets and Administrative Structure

The director of Public Communication reported to the president of University Relations. In 1992, with the creation of the Vice-President of Advancement, Public Communications was then under the care of Ronald G. Hyde, Vice-President of Advancement.

Associated Units

Superior unit: Brigham Young University. University Relations Division (1978-1992)

Superior unit: Brigham Young University (1992-1997)

Associated unit: Brigham Young University. Dept. of Communications (1978-1997)

Associated unit: Daily Universe (1978-1997)

Associated unit: KBYU-FM (1978-1997)

Associated unit: KBYU-TV (1978-1997)

Associated unit: Brigham Young University. Photo Studio (1978-1996)

Earlier unit: Brigham Young University. News Bureau (1978)

Later unit: Brigham Young University. University Communications (1997)

Sources

Brigham Young University Annual School Catalog, 1983-1984: p. 345 (main function: act as official university channel for interacting with mass media at local, state, regional, national, and international levels; broadcasting on campus, BYU Today, and Fine Arts News and Features)

Brigham Young University Annual School Catalog, 1983-1984: p. 353 (Public Communications, director Paul C. Richards)

Brigham Young University Annual School Catalog, 1992-1993: p. 300 (director Margaret Smoot)

Brigham Young University Annual School Catalog, 1993-1994: p. 341 (Advancement Vice President of University Communications Margaret Smoot)

Deseret News article accessed June 10, 2011 {Appointment of Ronald G. Hyde to Vice-President of Advancement)

Email with Todd Hollingshead, May 13, 2011 (Paul C. Richards director from 1978-1991, Margaret Smoot director from 1991-1994, Brent Harker director from 1994-1997; overall organizational history)

Phone Call Cari Jenkins, May 25, 2011 (changes in administrative reporting from University Relations Division to Advancement in 1992; renaming of Public Communications to University Communications in 1997)

Maintenance Information

Record ID: EAC-2010-00358

Creator: ANG/ARC