Colleagues,
I write to share bittersweet news: Jeff Shafer, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications, is leaving UNCG to return to his former company, Lenovo, as the head of global communications. Jeff shared with me how difficult this decision was, but the company approached him unexpectedly, and this represents a career opportunity that he cannot pass up at this time. His last day with us is February 12.
After just over four years, Jeff and his team have successfully engaged the campus community in a rebranding campaign; effectively shared UNCG’s unique stories with our broader community; and increased positive media and social media coverage for our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Jeff has been a wonderful colleague – he has led a talented University Communications team with humor, wisdom, expertise, and unparalleled enthusiasm; and has been a trusted advisor to me and to senior leadership. He has built partnerships across the University and in the community and has been instrumental in rebuilding the communications culture on our campus to be more collaborative, transparent, and disciplined.
Kimberly Osborne, Senior Director, Integrated Marketing Communications, will serve as Interim Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications. And, Eden Bloss, Senior Director of External Communications, will be Interim Senior Advisor to the Chancellor for External Communications. They will both report to me. Eden and Kimberly are both extremely talented professionals and I have no doubt they will be able to jointly lead University Communications, successfully execute many significant initiatives, including the University-wide website redesign, and keep telling our great UNCG story. More details on a national search will be shared in the weeks ahead.
Congratulations to Jeff, but he will be missed!
Warm regards,
Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr.
Chancellor
