YSU Sweet appoints new marketing director

YSU hopes the new administrator can get out the university's positive stories.
By RON COLE
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The former public affairs director at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will lead Youngstown State University's new marketing push.
YSU President David Sweet has appointed Walter L. Ulbricht the university's new executive director of marketing and communications.
Ulbricht, who started the new post today, will be responsible for developing and directing a comprehensive marketing and communications program for the university. His annual salary is $72,000.
"Marketing and communications must be undertaken more strategically and systematically by the university," Sweet said. "There is a vast number of positive stories that YSU can boast in and outside the Mahoning Valley."
Sweet said higher education is an increasingly competitive field and that YSU must do a better job telling its story and working more proactively to attract students.
Ulbricht replaces Linda Lewis, the university's former public relations director, who left Youngstown in June 2001.
Background: Ulbricht most recently was an instructor in the communications department at UW-Whitewater. Before that, he served seven years as UW-Whitewater's executive director of news and public affairs and three years as director of college relations at SUNY Empire State College.
"We were particularly impressed with Walt's track record in obtaining coverage for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in broad regional and national publications and electronic media," Sweet said.
"Additionally, he understands the importance and necessity of having an integrated marketing and communications plan, particularly as it relates to enrollment recruitment strategies."
Cabinet member: Ulbricht will be YSU's official spokesman and liaison with print and electronic media. He will serve as a member of the president's Cabinet and closely advise YSU's senior leadership on public and media relations strategies, Sweet said.
He is former chairman of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Public Affairs Advisory Committee and has worked on a variety of national issues impacting public higher education.
He received his master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.