Richie Hunter, a communications leader with more than 25 years of experience in higher education, healthcare and business, has been named the University of Oregon’s vice president of communications.

Hunter will oversee the university’s communications and marketing efforts, providing strategic direction to telling the UO’s stories of academic achievement, student success and impact as a public research university. She will report to President Michael H. Schill and serve on his senior leadership team.

Richie comes to the UO from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the nation’s oldest technological university, where she serves as vice president of strategic communications and external relations.

“I am thrilled that Richie has agreed to join the UO. She will lead our communications efforts at an exciting time,” said Schill. “We will benefit tremendously from her experience strengthening communications teams. I am excited to see how she will build upon our advances in promoting our academics and research strengths, and value to our state and world.”

Hunter says she is eager to get started.

“The University of Oregon has a compelling story to tell. This story is formed by a mission-driven and collaborative community that is as committed to inclusion as it is to innovation,” Hunter said. “It is a privilege to join the Oregon community, and to have the opportunity to tell that story alongside a talented and inspired team.”

While at RPI, Hunter rebuilt and strengthened the institute’s brand, communications, and marketing portfolio to expand local relevance, increase national competitiveness, and build global name recognition.

Prior to RPI she held executive communications positions at the University of Houston, the University of Houston System, and for-profit healthcare organizations. She holds a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Southern California and a master of science in business administration from Lamar University.

Hunter will start on Sept. 13. She replaces Kyle Henley, who departed the UO to become the senior vice president of communication at the University of Southern California.