The Office of University Relations serves as the central communications office for the College. In this role, the office serves as the primary link to the press and media on all communications fronts and coordinates university-wide promotional efforts. The office coordinates all campus-wide press releases, produces online W&M News features and videos for William & Mary’s Web site. The office works to promote and celebrate the work of faculty, staff and students and to promote the overall vision, mission and message of William & Mary.

University Relations staff work on a beat system, with each individual working primarily with assigned departments and program areas. These beats (outlined below) are meant to identify a contact person, or liaison, within University Relations for the various units, departments and offices on campus. This person may not cover or write all stories on their beat but does serve as the initial contact within the office for the departments listed below. While we believe it is important to establish relationships between University Relations staff and each academic and administrative department, a variety of circumstances beyond our control (such as media queries and breaking news) may require us to work across beats. In addition, there are some beats, such as campus events (Commencement, Charter Day, etc.), that we all share. You should feel free to contact any member of the staff with your news, story idea, or request for publicity. If you don't know whom to contact, send an email to bwwhit@wm.edu.

William & Mary faculty are available to talk with the media on a number of current events topics and issues. To find a faculty expert please email staff at University Relations at wmexperts@wm.edu or visit our experts directory online.

Brian Whitson
Associate Vice President, Communications and University Relations

757-221-7876
bwwhit@wm.edu
Oversees the day-to-day operations of University Relations and all William & Mary News Web content. College spokesperson and lead on administrative announcements, breaking news, and press queries.

BEAT: Breaking News, Media Requests, Emergency Management and Response, College Administration, William & Mary Board of Visitors, Virginia Government and Politics, General Higher Education Issues, University Policies and Procedures, University Development, Office of Admissions

Suzanne Seurattan
Director of News Marketing

757-221-1631
scseur@wm.edu
Lead on pitching and marketing College faculty, students and programs to local, national, international  and new media. Also serves as backup spokesperson and contact for press queries.

BEAT: National Media Outreach, Government, Economics, Public Policy, Economic Development, School of Law, Institute of Bill of Rights Law, The Center for Public Policy Research, Geriatric Center, Historic Campus, Swem Library and William & Mary Police Department

Joseph M. McClain
Director of Research Communications

757-221-1615
jmmccl@wm.edu
Editor of Ideation magazine. Serves as lead on research-related stories, especially those involving the natural sciences.

BEAT: Faculty/Student Research, Environmental Science/Keck Lab, Applied Science, Computer Science, Center for Conservation Biology, Center for Archeological Research, Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Geology,  Jefferson Lab -- Applied Research Center (ARC), Neuroscience, Linguistics

David Williard
Director of Multimedia News

757-221-2639
dcwill@wm.edu
Coordinates development and production of multimedia news content for University Relations, including special video packages such as faculty features and the Book of the Month. Also manages video coverage of campus-wide events, programs and research featuring faculty, staff and students.

BEAT: Video News Features

Erin Zagursky
University News Manager

757-221-1020
eazagu@wm.edu
Serves as primary writer for major events and general assignment. Also coordinates University Relations social network sites and has lead on Web posting of news stories and photos.

BEAT: Civic Engagement, School of Education, Center for Gifted Education, Psychology, Sociology, the Center for Student Diversity, Africana Studies, Student Activities, Women’s Studies, Music, Theatre, Speech & Dance, Military Science, Student Health Center, Counseling Center, Diversity Committee, Information Technology

Jim Ducibella
Web Writer

757-221-7624
jpducibella@wm.edu
Serves as a writer for the William & Mary News Web site, including general assignment and beat coverage.

BEAT: Campus Life, Scholar Athletes, Reves Center, International Relations, Kinesiology, the Charles Center, English, History, American Studies, Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture

Megan Shearin
Public Relations Specialist

757-221-2623
mzshearin@wm.edu

BEAT: Art & Art History, Muscarelle Museum of Art, Film Studies, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Modern Languages and Literature, Classical Studies and Literary and Cultural Studies. Also serves as the University Relations liaison with the business school's communications office.

Gabrielle Litzinger
Public Relations and Marketing Specialist

757-221-2622
gjlitzinger@wm.edu
Coordinates daily distribution of clips, office support, media tracking and management of University Relations archives.

BEAT: Dean’s List, Crime Log, Media Tracking, Daily Clips