University of Richmond Names John Barry as Vice President for Communications

Media Contacts: Lori Fogleman, 254-710-6275
and Cynthia Price, Director of Media and Public Relations, University of Richmond, 804-287-6659

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WACO, Texas (Dec. 7, 2015) – John M. Barry, who has served as Baylor University’s vice president for marketing and communications and chief marketing officer for nearly a decade, was named today the new vice president for communications at the University of Richmond, effective Jan. 18, 2016.

“We are deeply saddened at the news that John will be leaving Baylor University. However, we rejoice for him, for we know that this professional opportunity with the University of Richmond was most prayerfully considered and will allow John and his wife, Patty, to be closer to their children and grandchildren in the Virginia area,” said Baylor President and Chancellor Ken Starr. “For so many of us throughout the University, John was a trusted advisor, a global strategic thinker and a man of immense faith and deep compassion who has left a lasting mark on Baylor, and we are profoundly grateful for his dedicated service and vast contributions to the University. As they prepare to transition to Richmond, we warmly extend to John and Patty our very best wishes and Godspeed in the days, months and years ahead.”

Since joining Baylor from the University of Connecticut in August 2006, Barry has led the university’s division of marketing and communications, and through those efforts, successfully spearheaded the elevation of Baylor’s brand to remarkable heights.

His numerous successes include strengthening Baylor’s identity with universally adopted institutional marks and pageantry throughout the campus; developing a comprehensive communications strategy that supported the development of Baylor’s Pro Futuris strategic vision; partnering with Enrollment Management to inform and enhance the student recruitment process; working with Development and other colleagues to develop fundraising and a communications strategy for the successful on-campus stadium project that secured private and municipal support; and an integrated social media strategy that has led to significant increases in engagement with more than 150,000 alumni and friends across multiple channels. Most recently, Barry took on an additional role as interim vice president for development team.

“I came to Baylor because I was drawn to the great value and powerful distinctiveness of its mission. But what I have come to treasure above all are the many, many remarkable people who embody that mission, and who each day renew a commitment to invest time, talent and treasure to advance the promise and potential of Baylor University,” Barry said. ““The University of Richmond has a wonderful history, a compelling message and a promising future. It is an honor to have been asked by President Ronald Crutcher and his colleagues to join them in their work to advance the University of Richmond brand. My wife and I also look forward to being closer to our growing family in the Virginia area.

“At Baylor, I have cherished the opportunity to serve with many dear and dedicated people from whom I have learned so much. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I have had to work alongside President Starr and my very talented colleagues on the Executive Council, the Baylor Board of Regents, the University’s academic and administrative leadership, many alumni and friends who selflessly support and serve our University with their involvement and generosity and, most especially, my remarkable team of loyal and skilled professionals in the division of marketing and communications who work tirelessly each day to help build, propel and protect the Baylor brand. Their friendship and steadfast dedication to calling have impacted me in ways that will last my lifetime.”

As Barry transitions to his new post at Richmond, Karen Kemp, associate vice president for marketing communications, will serve as acting vice president. The university expects to launch a national search for a permanent vice president for marketing and communications.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.