Dive Summary:
- The University of California, Davis, hired Luanne Lawrence as associate chancellor for strategic communications at a salary of $260,000—more than any other campus communications chief in the UC system.
- Her position is a new one, and some aren't convinced that it merits the amount she's being paid—especially when sharp tuition increases and falling state funding are taken into consideration.
- Lawrence started in May, but steps in at a time when UC-Davis is still trying to repair its image after a 2011 incident in which campus police used pepper spray on students protesting tuition hikes, and as the school attempts to increase enrollment and funding while maintaining its high academic standing.
From the article:
... "If you are going to increase enrollment by 5,000 students, you need a strong communications presence," Lawrence said, referring to the possibility of growth that Chancellor Linda Katehi outlined in her "2020 Initiative" plan.
Lawrence, who started in May, oversees the campus's news services, publications department, campus Internet home pages, social media websites and marketing units. Those offices have a budget of roughly $3 million and 27 full-time employees, according to her official job description. ...