WMU News

Staffing changes made in marketing, PR and communications

October 1, 1998

KALAMAZOO -- A summer of personnel changes for Western Michigan University's Office of Marketing, Public Relations and Communications has resulted in the promotion of one person and the addition of four new staff members to the unit.

Tammy M. Kretsch and Kim C. Nelson, both of Kalamazoo, have joined the unit as graphic designers in MPRC's graphics and design area.

Marie E. Lee of Kalamazoo and Mark E. Schwerin of Richland, Mich., have joined the group as staff writers and media relations specialists in the academic communications area.

In addition, Cheryl P. Roland of Battle Creek, Mich., has been promoted to the post of director of academic communications.

Kretsch is a 1996 graduate of WMU, where she majored in art with a graphic design emphasis. She returned to the University from a position with the Kalamazoo firm, Gilmore Bros. Inc., which she had held since 1997. She also has worked at Great Lakes Graphic Arts in Kalamazoo and as a free-lance artist for the University's Cistercian Publications. She is a native of Rochester, Mich.

Nelson most recently worked for three years as a graphic designer at the University of New Orleans. Her background also includes work at design firms in New Orleans and Louisville, Ky, as well as free-lance design work in both of those cities. A native of Harlan, Ky., she is a 1990 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University.

Lee brings a background in higher education public relations to her new position. She previously worked as director of public relations at Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y. and as a writer at Boise State University. She also has experience as a newspaper reporter for the Idaho Falls Post Register. A native of Idaho Falls, she earned a bachelor's degree in 1986 from Idaho State University and is currently pursuing a master's degree in communication at WMU.

Schwerin comes to the University with nine years of experience as an award-winning reporter for the Battle Creek Enquirer. He also has worked as a reporter for newspapers in Berea and Richmond, Ky. A Portage, Mich., native, he is a 1979 graduate of WMU.

Roland has been a staff member at WMU since 1987, working as assistant director of news services and assistant director of academic communications. She previously was assistant director of communications at Albion College and has worked as a reporter for weekly papers in the Detroit area. She is a 1971 graduate of Michigan State University.

Media contact: Matt Kurz, 616 387-8400, matt.kurz@wmich.edu


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