FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — P. Tysen Kendig of State College, Pa., has been named associate vice chancellor for university relations at the University of Arkansas, effective Nov. 1, G. David Gearhart, vice chancellor for university advancement has announced.

Kendig, 34, comes to the university from Pennsylvania State University, where he serves as the assistant director of public information. A spokesman for Penn State, Kendig has been at the university since January 2000. After reviewing more than 80 applications, the UA search committee unanimously agreed to offer the position to Kendig. He will report to Gearhart and earn a salary of $125,000 per year.

In his capacity at Penn State, first as a public information officer and later as assistant director of public information, Kendig has worked to support and enhance the overall image of Penn State University as well as maximize media coverage and public support. Kendig and his staff are tasked with supporting the 24 campuses and more than 80,000 students who make up the Penn State system.

“Tysen has an extensive knowledge in the area of media relations and strategic public relations,” said Gearhart. “He will be an articulate spokesman who will be able to help position Arkansas as a nationally competitive research university.”

University Chancellor John White said he is pleased with the choice of Kendig.

“I was impressed by the depth and breadth of his understanding of the needs of higher education communications. He made a very favorable impression on me, and I am looking forward to working with him,” White said.

Kendig follows several former Penn State administrators who have moved to the University of Arkansas. Roger Williams, former associate vice chancellor for university relations, served in the same capacity for five years. During his tenure, Williams and his staff received the 2001 CASE Circle of Excellence Award for communications programs. Gearhart, a native of Fayetteville, served 10 years as senior vice president for development and university relations at Penn State prior to returning to Arkansas.

“It’s clear that Razorback red blood can rush through Nittany Lion blue veins,” said Kendig. “I’m energized at the prospect of joining such a vibrant university and region. The University of Arkansas and its growing impact is a tremendous success story, and it’s apparent that even better chapters may lie ahead. I’m hopeful I can bring some new perspectives and ideas to what already is regarded as a first-rate university relations operation, and I’m eager to bring the story of the University of Arkansas to the nation and the world.”

Prior to working at Penn State, Kendig served as the associate director of public relations at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J.  He was a staff writer and assistant editor in the sports department at The Trentonian in Trenton, N.J.

Kendig, who is working on  a graduate degree at Penn State, received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State in 1995 with a minor in geography. He is active in the College and University Public Relations Association of Pennsylvania and is the current vice president of that organization. He also is a member of the Big Ten News Directors association.

He is married to Leslie Kendig and they have one son, Austin, 2.