By Communications Staff

Principal Daniel Woolf today announced the establishment of University Relations, a new portfolio encompassing University Communications, Marketing, and Government and Institutional Relations.

The creation of the portfolio formalizes a restructuring earlier this year that saw its three units report to Chief Communications Officer Michael Fraser, who will become vice-principal (university relations) when the new unit comes into effect on July 1. The restructuring will provide an opportunity to realize efficiencies between the three units and will not require any additional staffing.

“This reorganization is in line with practices at other Canadian universities and allows for increased coordination within the new University Relations portfolio, which has a key role to play in advancing Queen’s mission and reputation,” says Principal Woolf. “Since arriving at Queen’s in May 2013, Michael has worked to raise the bar for the university’s communications programs and has provided invaluable counsel to the senior leadership and others across the university. I am delighted that Queen’s will continue to benefit from his expertise in the vice-principal role.”

Mr. Fraser came to Queen’s in May 2013 after more than 20 years of experience in the communications field, including extensive senior-level public affairs and strategic communications experience in both the federal and provincial governments. As a chief of staff and trusted senior communications advisor to federal cabinet ministers, provincial premiers and members of parliament, he has a wealth of experience in developing and executing communications strategies, stakeholder engagement and policy development in portfolios that span issues management, public relations, internal and external communications and media relations.

The creation of the University Relations portfolio and the appointment of Michael Fraser as vice-principal (university relations) was recently approved by the university’s Board of Trustees.