Sean Welsh appointed Towson University Vice President for University Marketing & Communications

December 14, 2021

Following an extensive national search, Towson University President Kim Schatzel has appointed Sean Welsh ‘05 as the University’s Vice President for University Marketing & Communications. He begins his role immediately.

Welsh will serve as the university’s chief marketing and communications officer, a member of the president's cabinet and an officer of the university. He will provide vision, strategic direction and leadership for university-wide efforts in internal and external communications, digital and social media, enrollment marketing, media relations, brand strategy, and creative services.

“I asked Sean to take on this role in the interim in July 2020, and he has continued to lead the division over the past 18 months during one of the most difficult and challenging times for our campus, community and nation. After a nationwide search this fall semester, it was apparent that Sean is the best candidate to serve the university in this leadership role,” Schatzel said. “I know you all will join me in congratulating Sean on his new role within the Towson University community and offering our support as he transitions into this important leadership position.”

Welsh has over 15 years of experience in communications, media and marketing. He’s been a key member of TU’s Division of University Marketing and Communications for four years, serving as Director of Media Relations and Associate Vice President for Communications and Media before taking on the vice president duties. Prior to TU, Welsh had an extensive career in journalism, culminating with nearly five years as digital and breaking news editor at The Baltimore Sun, where he led a fast-paced newsroom that was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize. Welsh is a TU alum, with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, with a focus on public relations.

“I’m honored and humbled to be selected to lead TU’s Division of University Marketing and Communications,” Welsh said. “This is an incredibly talented team and we have the privilege of telling the story of Towson University’s momentum. I’m excited to continue the work of connecting with future students and their families, as well as supporting all of the strategic initiatives of our partners around the university.”

Earlier this year, a search committee was convened with Brian DeFilippis, Vice President, University Advancement, serving as chair.

The goal was to bring an innovative, strategic and collaborative professional to TU to lead the Division of University Marketing and Communications, a person who would bring expertise in brand and enrollment marketing, digital strategy, creative design and communications to both internal and external audiences. The committee also sought an individual to lead efforts to re-tell TU’s contemporary narrative informed by the University’s strategic plan, its diversity strategic plan, and the goal of achieving an R2: Doctoral University Carnegie Classification.

The search committee, that included:

• Timm Baldwin, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy
• Elizabeth A. Braungard, Senior Director of Advancement Marketing and Communications
• Michael K. Gathagan, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Strategic Communications
• Dr. Shohreh Kaynama, Professor of Marketing and Dean of the College of Business and Economics
• Bobbie K. Laur, Associate Vice President Outreach, Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research
• Kathleen M. Maloney, Executive Director of Government and Community Relations
• Amy M. Moffatt, Assistant Vice President for University Admissions
• Dr. Clare Muhoro, Professor of Chemistry and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
• Rick S. Pallansch, Assistant Vice President of Creative Services
• Sara Slaff, Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel