John N. Diamond of Glenburn, Me., has been named associate vice chancellor for university relations at the University of Arkansas, effective Sept. 27, Brad Choate, vice chancellor for university advancement has announced.

Diamond, 55, comes to the university from the University of Maine System, where he serves as executive director of external affairs. At the system office, Diamond's responsibilities have included oversight of media relations, marketing, brand management, publications, website management, public opinion research, advocacy and special events. He also serves as the official spokesperson and chief speechwriter to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees. After reviewing more than 150 applications, the university's search committee unanimously agreed to offer the position to Diamond, who will report to Choate.

In his capacity at Maine, Diamond developed a successful public awareness and outreach program to reach key opinion leaders and constituencies across the state. He also developed and implemented a rebranding initiative. His areas of expertise also include integrated advocacy communications, engaging public and private stakeholders and managing all aspects of media relations, publications, productions, e-communications, creative services and public relations.

"John has an extensive knowledge in senior communications and will be a strategic leader in the office of university relations" said Choate. "I am confident that he will serve our institution well. I am very impressed with his knowledge of higher education communications."

Prior to moving the system office, Diamond served as the director of public affairs at the University of Maine in Orono, Maine's land-grant institution. He also served as an assistant professor of journalism and mass communications there. In addition to his higher education experience, he served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives during the 1980s, including two terms as House majority leader.

"I am very excited to join the University of Arkansas, one of the best public universities in the U.S. Its faculty are highly regarded as teachers and scholars, and they, along with a truly student-centered staff, maintain a very stimulating campus environment," Diamond said. "It has all of the strong attributes that one would want in its state's land-grant, flagship university.

"I was also impressed with the university's leadership team, especially Chancellor Gearhart and Vice Chancellor Choate. I'm looking forward to working with them, campus leaders and the university relations staff to advance the university's agenda. I met with members of the university relations staff and came away extremely impressed with their professionalism, collegiality and commitment to the university."

Diamond received a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1977 and a master's degree in speech communications, both from the University of Maine. He is also currently completing a doctoral degree in communication and public administration.

He is married to Marcia LaRochelle Diamond, an elementary school principal. They have one adult child and two others currently in college.