Santos Named Vice President of Communications, Marketing and External Affairs

Kutztown, PA (12/22/2017) — Dr. Kenneth Hawkinson, president, Kutztown University has named Matt Santos vice president of communications, marketing and external affairs, effective Dec. 23.

In his new position, Santos will be responsible for the overall guidance of a diverse division that encompasses University Relations, University Marketing, Conference Services, Intercollegiate Athletics, Sports Medicine, KU Presents!, Kutztown University Radio, Recreational Services and the Pa. German Cultural Heritage Center. Santos served as head of the division in an interim role this past semester, filling in for John Green, associate vice president, who retired July 28.

"Matt's institutional knowledge and experience makes him an invaluable asset to KU," said Hawkinson. "I look forward to his continued success and leadership at Kutztown University."

"Matt has been a wonderfully dedicated member of the KU family for more than 25 years," said Dr. Warren Hilton, vice president, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, and chair of the search committee. "During his time here, he has demonstrated his capacity as a successful leader and gained a wide variety of experience that will serve the university well in his new role."

Santos has been the director of University Relations since 2007. In his position he serves as the university spokesperson and is responsible for public relations, media relations, executive communications, university licensing and crisis communications. He was chair of the award-winning KU Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2016.

"I am truly excited about the opportunity to advance my career in higher education, while continuing to give back to the institution that I have been proud to serve for the past quarter century," Santos said. "Kutztown University is a special place, and has, and will continue to, make a difference in the lives of its students for many years to come. I look forward to continue working with President Hawkinson, my fellow administrators, and the entire KU community in ensuring our long-term success."

Santos began his career with KU in 1992 as the sports information director for athletics. In 1998 he was promoted to director of athletic advancement before being promoted to assistant director of University Relations in 2006. Santos is credited with the creation of the school's current mascot, Avalanche the Golden Bear, in 2005.

He has experience in all levels of communication and fundraising at the university. Prior to KU, Santos held positions in sports information at both Lincoln and Delaware State Universities. He has also hosted a variety of television and radio programs and is the radio voice of Golden Bear Football.

Santos, a native of Scranton, Pa., holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, and a master's degree in electronic media from Kutztown University. He is a graduate of Thomas McKean High School, Wilmington, Del.

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