University Relations loses two from Marsh
Saying goodbye: Merck and Richie on way out
Korvell Pyfrom
Issue date: 9/17/09 Section: News
As Pacific prepares to enter the next stage of its branding process, two staff members who have played key roles in the process are bidding farewell to the university.
Vice President of University Relations Dr. Phil Akers said their contributions have placed the university in a good position and he is confident that the school will be able to build upon the foundation laid by the two staff members.
Barb Richey, associate vice president of marketing and communications will leave the university in October citing personal reasons. Billy Merck, director of media relations is leaving Pacific to begin teaching at Portland Community College this fall.
Richey arrived in 2007 to lead the university through the branding process, which is a five-year campaign aimed at changing public perception and behaviors towards Pacific University. The first stages of the process included making an internal commitment on the part of the university and conducting research on the university's image. Richey said she is proud of the work she was able to do here and she credited her entire team for stepping up to the plate.
"We have done so much in such a short amount of time," said Richey. "It usually takes 18 months to roll out a new brand; we did it in 6 months."
In the second year the focus became building consistent awareness and creating an identity for the university. Under Richey's guidance the university has met its initial objectives and according to Akers the school is well on its way to meeting its remaining objectives largely because of Richey's leadership.
Akers also said a big part of the branding exercise is focused on giving the university an identity. "We want the school to be recognizable.
"We want people to know who we are and what we do," said Akers. "We are blessed because of the team Barb has put together."
Richey's successor will be charged with moving the university towards accomplishing its remaining objectives in the branding process which include building credibility and external advertising as well as focusing on helping to shape university culture, service and policy.
Merck, another member of the university relations' team has been in his current position since 2008. A Pacific alumnus Merck described his departure as bittersweet, noting that while he has enjoyed his time at Pacific he is thrilled to be returning to his passion of teaching.
"It's been a wonderful experience being here at Pacific," said Merck. This job was my first time working closely with the administration allowing me to see things from a different perspective."
Akers praised Merck for the role he has played in increasing the university's media exposure.
"The university had always received coverage locally but through Billy we were introduced to an even larger audience," said Akers.
Akers said that the university is currently in the process of filling the two positions. Asked what he is looking for in their respective successors, Akers replied, "Two more people exactly like Barb and Billy."
Vice President of University Relations Dr. Phil Akers said their contributions have placed the university in a good position and he is confident that the school will be able to build upon the foundation laid by the two staff members.
Barb Richey, associate vice president of marketing and communications will leave the university in October citing personal reasons. Billy Merck, director of media relations is leaving Pacific to begin teaching at Portland Community College this fall.
Richey arrived in 2007 to lead the university through the branding process, which is a five-year campaign aimed at changing public perception and behaviors towards Pacific University. The first stages of the process included making an internal commitment on the part of the university and conducting research on the university's image. Richey said she is proud of the work she was able to do here and she credited her entire team for stepping up to the plate.
"We have done so much in such a short amount of time," said Richey. "It usually takes 18 months to roll out a new brand; we did it in 6 months."
In the second year the focus became building consistent awareness and creating an identity for the university. Under Richey's guidance the university has met its initial objectives and according to Akers the school is well on its way to meeting its remaining objectives largely because of Richey's leadership.
Akers also said a big part of the branding exercise is focused on giving the university an identity. "We want the school to be recognizable.
"We want people to know who we are and what we do," said Akers. "We are blessed because of the team Barb has put together."
Richey's successor will be charged with moving the university towards accomplishing its remaining objectives in the branding process which include building credibility and external advertising as well as focusing on helping to shape university culture, service and policy.
Merck, another member of the university relations' team has been in his current position since 2008. A Pacific alumnus Merck described his departure as bittersweet, noting that while he has enjoyed his time at Pacific he is thrilled to be returning to his passion of teaching.
"It's been a wonderful experience being here at Pacific," said Merck. This job was my first time working closely with the administration allowing me to see things from a different perspective."
Akers praised Merck for the role he has played in increasing the university's media exposure.
"The university had always received coverage locally but through Billy we were introduced to an even larger audience," said Akers.
Akers said that the university is currently in the process of filling the two positions. Asked what he is looking for in their respective successors, Akers replied, "Two more people exactly like Barb and Billy."
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