Media and PR leader recruited to McGill

Jennifer Robinson named Associate Vice-Principal, Communications

A veteran newspaper editor and public relations consultant has been recruited to McGill University. Jennifer Robinson has been named Associate Vice-Principal, Communications, a job she begins February 2, 2004.

Ms Robinson will report jointly to McGill Principal and Vice-Chancellor Heather Munroe-Blum and Vice-Principal, Development and Alumni Relations, Nancy Wells. In her position, Ms Robinson will provide leadership and direction to the University's communications programs and have overall responsibility for the development and implementation of communications strategies.

"This is a key new position that reflects the University's desire to reach out in a proactive and effective manner to those who are interested in learning about McGill and its many and varied programs and activities, mission, and vision," said Principal Munroe-Blum. "The environment in which McGill operates is increasingly competitive and it is essential that our messages and achievements are consistently and strategically communicated locally, nationally and internationally."

"We are delighted to welcome Jennifer and are looking forward to working with her on the University's broad range of communications programs and opportunities," said Vice-Principal Wells.

Fluently bilingual in French and English, Ms Robinson is well known to Montrealers as a journalist and editor. She brings to the position 25 years of media, communications and senior management experience. She is a former editorial page editor, associate editor and columnist of The Gazette in Montreal, where she specialized in political and social affairs at the Quebec and federal levels. Since 2000, she has been a senior consultant at Canada's largest public relations firm, National Public Relations, based in Montreal.