The University of Montevallo is a school that’s unlike any other. As Alabama’s only public liberal-arts university, it’s far more affordable than other liberal-arts options in the state and presents an entirely different style of education from other in-state public universities. By its very nature, Montevallo attracts an incredibly diverse yet like-minded group of individuals who pursue careers in everything from the arts to business to science. The common thread among all of them is an unyielding spirit of individuality — a passion to create their own path instead of following those more commonly traveled.

The University Relations Office is the central communications office responsible for the overall direction and oversight for the University’s strategic marketing initiatives and tactical public-relations programs, designed to present the University to its multiple constituencies, internally and externally, fostering a climate of public and private support.

This office has central responsibility for coordinating communications with the media, and is responsible, in conjunction with the UM Police Department, for the University’s Emergency Communication Plan.

The University Relations Office supports the mission of the University by:

• serving as the official University spokesperson on University-wide concerns at the request of the President;
• developing and implementing a strategic marketing and public-relations program that raises awareness of the University and supports and advances the University’s strategic mission;
• providing services to assist the campus in clearly and concisely projecting the Montevallo campus’ core values, attributes and strengths;
• maintaining the University’s website (homepage) and official University social media sites (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.);
• developing and maintaining the University’s graphics and communications program and overseeing external communication to ensure that standards of high quality are maintained.

University Relations Office
Station 6230
P.O. Box 6000
Montevallo, AL 35115
Phone: 205-665-6230
Fax: 205-665-6224
e-mail: jbessette@montevallo.edu

Please note: Individuals unable to physically access the University Relations Office on the second floor of the Will Lyman House may enter on the first floor and request assistance, or contact the staff (PR@montevallo.edu; 205.665.6230) in advance. A staff member from the University Relations Office will promptly assist you. Requests for relocation of second-floor meetings will be honored with advance notice.