The communications team is the primary liaison between the university and the news media. Our mission is to raise the stature and positive image of Wayne State through proactive media relations and rapid response to media issues and inquiries.

The team collaborates with the broader WSU community to identify, develop and distribute to the media stories that reflect the university's goals of teaching, research and community service.

To accomplish our mission, the communications team:

• Develops and pitches news stories and features for print, radio and television.
• Records, analyzes and monitors media coverage.
• Connects media with faculty experts for interviews.
• Arranges and facilitates press and media briefings.
• Maintains an active database of faculty experts for media consultation.
• Facilitates the coordination of strategic partnerships for university entities (internally and externally) and develops promotional communications to support the university's image enhancement objectives.
• Works closely with the Department of Public Safety to manage all external communications in emergency situations and plays a key role in crisis contingency planning.

Working with the communications team

The communications team is here to help you share your news internally and externally. Please send your draft release to Art Lionas, allowing 24 to 48 hours for review. Once your release is ready to go  accompanied by credited photos and graphics  we can post it online in our WSU newsroom and work with you to reach out to the media.

Tip: If you are promoting an event, please inform our office at least four to six weeks in advance, when possible. If you seek media coverage prior to the event, include all pertinent details, including the name of an expert on the topic who can serve as a spokesperson. Post-event media coverage is possible if you have good visuals  photos or video footage  and a summary of highlights.

For assistance in reaching out to the media, setting up a media training session or developing a media list, please contact a member of our team directly.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Please visit the Office of the General Counsel for information on the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).