Jeremy Burns has joined University Relations as director of executive communications. In this new role, he will support strategic messaging for the Office of the Chancellor and collaborate with other campus communicators on a range of university initiatives.

"As we celebrate our 150th year and welcome our largest-ever freshman class to campus, I know we are already looking ahead in our mission to serve our students and the state of Arkansas," Burns said. "I am excited to support that work in this new role."

Burns has held a number of positions at the U of A, serving most recently as director of communications for Enrollment Services, where he led recruitment communications and marketing and worked to expand the Office of Admissions' outreach to prospective students. Prior to that, he worked as associate director for the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, helping to advise applicants for prestigious awards such as the Truman, Goldwater and Marshall scholarships.

A native of Arkansas, Burns holds a master's and doctorate in English from the U of A, as well as a bachelor of fine arts in creative writing from Arkansas Tech University.

"We are fortunate to have Jeremy join our University Relations team as director of executive communications," said Amy Schlesing, executive director of strategic communications. "His unique combination of student recruitment experience and expert knowledge of writing and language will strengthen our team, support leadership and advance the U of A."

Hardin Young, who served as manager of executive communications for more than 13 years, has been named assistant director for research communications. Both roles are part of the strategy team at University Relations.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.