About Us

University Relations develops, coordinates and delivers the university's strategic communications and marketing initiatives. Departments include Communications and Marketing, Media and Public Relations, Media Services, Publications, Web Communications, Government Relations (Federal, State and Local), Freedom of Information Act Response and Board of Trustee Operations.

The division's talented team of writers, editors, designers, photographers, videographers, and website developers promotes the university and its programs through advertising, publications, media relations, the niu.edu website, and the university's official social media channels.

Division offices provide professional services and support, including print, web, editorial, graphic design, social media, audio and video to university departments.

The government relations team represents the university's budgetary, legislative and substantive interests at the federal and state levels.   

The division also serves as the clearinghouse for all public record requests for the entire university; a responsibility assumed in June, 2010. 

Kathy Buettner, Vice President for University Relations, is the primary staff liaison to the Board of Trustees on behalf of the President and serves as the staff liaison to the Legislative, Audit and External Affairs Committee.