Julie Peterson is associate V.P. for media relations and public affairs

ANN ARBOR—The appointment of Julie A. Peterson as associate vice president for media relations and public affairs at the University of Michigan was approved by the U-M Board of Regents at its Dec. 14 meeting. The appointment is effective Dec. 15.Peterson

In recommending the appointment, Lisa M. Rudgers, vice president for communications, said Peterson “will fill a critical position that has remained vacant since 1998 and throughout the recent leadership change in the Office of the Vice President for Communications.”

In recommending the appointment, Lisa M. Rudgers, vice president for communications, said Peterson “will fill a critical position that has remained vacant since 1998 and throughout the recent leadership change in the Office of the Vice President for Communications.”

Peterson joined the U-M in 1994 as director of News and Information Services, managing the University’s central public information and media relations office, which includes media relations; broadcast and electronic media; photography; The University Record, the U-M faculty-staff newspaper; and Michigan Today, an alumni publication.

During the transition in leadership, Peterson also was acting associate vice president for communications, advising University administrators, faculty and staff on a wide range of higher education issues and the media. She also worked closely with a number of U-M units, including development, government relations, student affairs and general counsel, as well as the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the U-M Health System.

As associate vice president, Peterson will be the primary liaison to regional and national media representatives and a senior adviser to U-M administrators and faculty. She will continue to be an official University spokesperson on news and policy matters.

She also will work to build communications teams with campus partners, including the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Health System, the Department of Public Safety and others.

“Julie has demonstrated a great depth of experience in these areas, along with excellent judgment and relationships with media that are so critical in the role,” Rudgers said. “I look forward to working with her.”

Peterson holds a B.A. in journalism and M.B.A. in marketing, both from Indiana University (IU). Before joining the U-M, she was a staff writer and managing editor of IU’s News Bureau, managing and directing a comprehensive news and information program.

Board of RegentsLisa M. RudgersLisa M. RudgersThe University RecordDepartment of Intercollegiate AthleticsDepartment of Public Safety