Patrick Makenen, Staff Reporter
Patrick_Makensen@csumb.edu
Feb. 28, 2008
CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB) president Dianne Harrison has announced the appointment of Scott Faust to the newly created position of executive director of strategic communications. He will join the university on March 3. “Strategic communications for our campus will have oversight of our external [how we communicate with local communities, and local, state, and national media] and internal [how, what and when we communicate to our campus] communication systems. This includes our publications, website, general university public relations and crisis communications,” Harrison stated. “Scott’s experience is an excellent fit with CSUMB’s needs,” said Harrison. “I’m excited that he’s agreed to lead our strategic communications efforts. In Scott, we have a talented and experienced administrator who shares our commitment to student success.” Faust comes to the university after a career in journalism. He was general manager and executive editor of “The Salinas Californian” and Salinas Newspapers, Inc., which also publishes a website, TheCalifornian.com, the Spanish-language newspaper “El Sol” and a variety of other publications. He assumed his previous position in January 2006. Prior to the position of general manager, Faust joined “The Salinas Californian” as executive editor in 2000, continuing a career in newspaper journalism that began in 1982 following his graduation from the University of Kansas. He spent 21 years working at various newspapers owned by Gannett Co. Inc., including stints at “The Detroit News,” “The Rockford (Ill.) Register Star,” the “Visalia Times-Delta,” the “Reno Gazette-Journal,” and at the “Wichita (Kan.) Eagle.” “My background in journalism, editing and managing has helped me prepare for this job by connecting me with the community,” Faust stated. “This is my first job in higher education and I plan to start by gathering information, talking with students and faculty and learning how people see this University. From there I will be able to better understand what needs to be done to enhance the schools image and communication internally and externally. The website will have a part in this.” At CSUMB, Faust will develop and implement a comprehensive strategic communications program. He will be responsible for all aspects of marketing, publications which included the website, and public relations. “I hope to cultivate understanding on what’s going on at this great school, build on pride, and do my part to continue what this school strives for, making an influence in a multicultural community,” said Faust.
