New head named for external affairs

Michael Redding

Michael W. Redding, vice president for university relations at the University of Oregon, was named UIC executive associate chancellor for external affairs and government relations.

Redding, who begins his appointment April 30, will oversee community relations, international affairs, public affairs and marketing, coordinating these offices with development, alumni affairs and access and equity.

He will work with officials at every level of government on UIC’s behalf, in collaboration with the university’s government relations staff. He will serve as the chancellor’s liaison to higher education organizations.

“He is precisely the person we were looking for to carry UIC’s message forward and bring us new partners in our missions,” said Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares.

As vice president for university relations, Redding managed an external affairs division that included communications, marketing, media relations, design and editing services, digital and social media, state and federal relations, community engagement, trademark licensing, alumni affairs and development communications, the university radio station and art museum.

Redding has held different leadership roles at Oregon over 13 years, including vice president of university advancement and associate vice president of public and government affairs.

He helped lead the university’s overall strategic direction, implement an integrated marketing and strategic communications plan, and secure state and federal funding.

“I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students and friends of the university to help UIC fulfill its mission to serve the state of Illinois and the great city of Chicago,” Redding said.

Before joining the University of Oregon, Redding was legislative director in the Office of Intergovernmental Relations for the city of Eugene, Ore., and U.S. public and government affairs representative for Texaco.

A graduate of the University of Delaware, he holds a master’s in public administration and a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

Redding succeeds Victoria Chou, dean of the College of Education, who has been interim vice chancellor for external affairs since July.

burton@uic.edu