Thanks to all who attended the fifth annual Public Affairs seminar, Brand U: 2011. You may view the keynote presentation (PowerPoint only) at the link below.

Session One: 1 - 2:00 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Heather Swain
Making “Go Green Go Further”: Building the Michigan State University Brand

Learn how Michigan State University established a university-wide branding initiative based on research and how the MSU has implemented it over the past three years. Interim Vice President for University Relations Heather Swain will share what has gone well, what could have gone better, and what the future may hold.

About Heather Swain

Break: 2:00 - 2:15 p.m.

Session 2: 2:15 - 3:00 p.m.
Internships: The Myth vs. the Reality
Panel Discussion: SaraH Dolinar, Chris Harris, Michelle Rice, Erik Riha

This session will challenge some of the perceived obstacles to hosting student internships, and demonstrate how they can be a win-win experience.

Break: 3:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Session 3: 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.
The Power of Brand Storytelling
Joel Steinfeldt

Learn how some of the most compelling messages are perpetuated through the narrative. We'll explore various ways to incorporate Illinois brand attributes and themes into a range of communications.

ACME Awards Presentation: 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Post-event Reception: 4:30 - 6

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Heather Swain Biography

Heather Swain, who joined Michigan State University as assistant vice president for university relations in October 2006, has served as interim vice president for university relations since August 2010. Her responsibilities include overseeing the university’s branding initiative, strategic communications planning, media relations, marketing communications, web and new media, and photo and video operations.

Prior to joining MSU, Swain spent six years at Ball State University in the university’s senior communications position, where she led a major rebranding effort that tied into the institution’s strategic planning and governmental relations strategies. Swain also spent five years at Indiana University (IU) in a variety of communications roles culminating in the position of associate director for university-wide marketing, working with IU campuses across the state on individualized marketing plans and alignment with the overall IU brand.

In all, Heather has 15 years of experience in higher education marketing and communications—including branding, marketing, and media communication. During that time, she has led two major rebranding projects; conducted nearly 100 focus groups with higher education target audiences; overseen numerous quantitative research projects; and served for six years as primary university spokesperson with responsibility for issues management.

Ms. Swain received her bachelor’s degree in English from the College of William & Mary.