President Beverly Warren announced in a mass email that Kent State’s Office of the President will be launching a nationwide search for a key member to lead the university’s efforts in strategic communications and external affairs.

The university-wide email stated that the vacant vice president of University Relations position will be revised and designated as the senior vice president of Strategic Communications and External Affairs.

“I believe this change will more accurately reflect the importance of communication to the achievement of our vision for Kent State and will more effectively highlight the great work that occurs every day at this outstanding university,” Warren wrote in the email.

The search will be chaired by Charlene Reed,vice president and university secretary at Kent State. Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates, an executive search firm, will assist the search.

The committee will recruit and screen candidates, as well as  recommend “well-qualified finalists” to Warren who will be selected for campus visits in August.

Members of the community — from students to leadership board members — can take a survey to give their thoughts on what they would like from the future vice president.

The president’s office will be creating a website, which has not yet been listed, to keep the community informed of the search, as well as to receive suggestions and nominations for the position.

Samantha Cottrill is an administration reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].