Lucas named University Communications director

John Lucas, an experienced communicator with a background in news, social media and media relations, has been named executive director of University Communications at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

“John’s skill in effectively conveying university news in a changing media landscape is a tremendous asset for UW–Madison,” says Vice Chancellor for University Relations Vince Sweeney. “He values telling UW–Madison’s story to internal and external audiences on a wide variety of news, social media, photographic and video platforms.”

Lucas joined University Communications in 2001 and has served in multiple roles before being named interim executive director in late 2013.

During his time as interim director, Lucas has led a review of the university’s internal communications, worked to improve relationships with the state’s media and improved support for the university’s network of campus communicators.

Lucas says he plans to strive toward additional university media placements in state and national media, work closely with faculty and staff and bolster partnerships with the schools and colleges.

Prior to leading University Communications, he coordinated the university’s news and media relations, institutional social media strategy and internal communications products Inside UW–Madison and The Weekly. He also served as the voice of @UWMadison on the university’s nationally recognized Twitter account.

Prior to moving to Wisconsin in 2001, Lucas worked in daily newspapers, including the Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn.

“I’m excited to wake up every day and think of new ways to tell the university’s story to media, our internal audiences and residents of Wisconsin,” he says.

During the next year, Lucas says he hopes to continue outreach to the university’s network of campus communicators around content strategy, video and social media. He also plans to continue improving relationships with state media in support of Chancellor Rebecca Blank’s statewide outreach campaign.

University Communications is the university’s central news and information office, offering a range of services aimed at telling the university’s story. The office is responsible for news, media relations, issues management, social media, video and photography, along with On Wisconsin magazine.