Dr. Michelle Morris, ACU's vice president for university relations, has been named assistant vice president for public affairs for The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She will complete her time at ACU July 18 and begin her new role Aug. 4. A farewell reception is planned for July 16, 2-3:30 p.m. in the Brown Library Atrium.
"I view Michelle's departure with very mixed emotions," said Dr. Royce Money, ACU president. "Of course, we wish her God's richest blessings as she embarks on this new challenge--this new job as AVP at UTHSC is the next logical step for her to more fully use her vast training, experience and education. At the same time, I'm sad to see her leave--she has been involved in so many facets of ACU life during the last 16 years. She has literally shaped the public face of ACU, and we will greatly miss her."
Morris will provide leadership for the UT Health Science Center at Houston's four public affairs teams, which include communications, media relations, web communications, and special events and creative services. She also will create and oversee a marketing and community relations team, lead the institution's branding initiative and work closely with Susan Coulter, vice president for the Office of Institutional Advancement, to communicate fund-raising initiatives.
The prestigious health science center has approximately 1,300 faculty, 3,100 staff, a $725 million operating budget, 3,775 students enrolled in 19 degree and certificate programs, $192 million in sponsored research, and 60 outpatient and inpatient sites that provide comprehensive patient care.
"I love ACU, and I've had a wonderful 16 years here," Morris said. "This role in Houston was a perfect fit for my background and experience, and I felt called to pursue it. I'm excited about the challenges and growth opportunities there."
Michelle chaired the university's year-long Centennial Celebration, and her team achieved record freshman enrollment at ACU in 2005 and record overall enrollment in 2006. The creative team she oversees has won more than 250 regional and national awards, including eight Telly Awards for top-quality films.
"I have had the privilege of working with talented, dedicated, creative people who do whatever it takes to achieve excellence and to get the job done," Morris said. "They are amazing."
Morris served as ACU's director of news information from 1988-92, and she returned to the university in 1997. She has served ACU as director of marketing and public relations, assistant vice president for university and alumni relations, and in her current role. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism at ACU and completed her doctorate in higher education administration at Texas Tech in 2003.
Her husband, Ric, will continue to serve as ACU's associate director of student financial services through next spring while their daughter, Corinne, finishes her senior year at Abilene High School. Their daughter, Sara, will be a sophomore at ACU.
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.
