President Maric Announces Vice President for Communications
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to announce that after serving in the role on an interim basis since 2024, Mike Kirk has been appointed Vice President for Communications, effective immediately. Mike has provided exceptional leadership, strategic insight, and a steady hand in guiding UConn’s communications efforts across all campuses.
My chief of staff and I conducted interviews with members of the communications team, deans, senior leadership, and members of the Board of Trustees regarding Mike’s performance and the role of communications in engaging various stakeholders. The feedback about Mike was overwhelmingly positive, and there was a strong sense of confidence in his abilities.
A member of the UConn community since 2005, Mike brings two decades of institutional experience and an unwavering commitment to advancing the University’s mission, reputation, and public engagement. In his interim role, he has led a team of more than 40 professionals, overseeing all facets of central communications including marketing, branding, multimedia, social media, news and media relations, and public records.
Mike has been instrumental in ensuring that UConn’s voice remains clear, consistent, and forward-looking whether celebrating achievements in academics and research or navigating the challenges facing higher education today. Colleagues across the university describe him as a calm, pragmatic, and deeply supportive leader. He has worked closely with university leadership, faculty, staff, and students to strengthen the University’s brand, elevate its storytelling, and highlight UConn’s broad impact across the state and beyond.
Before assuming the interim role, Mike served as Associate Vice President for Communications, Acting Vice President for Communications, Assistant Vice President for University Relations, and Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor to the President. Earlier in his UConn career, he also served as University Spokesperson, playing a central role in issues management, media strategy, and public engagement.
Prior to joining UConn, Mike served as press secretary to U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, where he managed national and state media relations, developed communications strategies, and advised on public messaging.
In the permanent role, Mike will continue to provide strategic direction for all facets of UConn’s communications and marketing. He will continue to engage with senior university leaders, alumni, community partners, and external stakeholders to advance the University’s mission, promote its achievements, and strengthen its connection to the people of Connecticut and beyond.
Please join me in congratulating Mike.
Sincerely,
Radenka Maric
UConn President
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