Kinders named NSU Vice President for University Relations

TAHLEQUAH -- Mark Kinders, a 23-year veteran of public higher education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, has been named Vice President for University Relations at Northeastern State University.

In making the announcement, NSU President Dr. Don Betz praised Kinders long term commitment to supporting and promoting the value of higher education at UWRF and his broad knowledge of the issues that challenge higher education administrators.

I know from working with Mark that he is a very capable leader and experienced in all facets of University Relations. His passion for the role that higher education plays in the lives of our citizens will serve us well, as he works with other members of our administrative team to engage in collaborative efforts to build excitement about the possibilities we can achieve in NSUs second century, said Betz.

Kinders appointment was approved by the Regional University System of Oklahoma board of directors during a regularly scheduled monthly meeting held in Alva last week.

As Director of Public Affairs at UWRF since 1985, he has been responsible for government and community relations, along with photography and sports information services at the comprehensive institution that has a student enrollment of 6,200 located in western Wisconsin, about 30 miles from Minneapolis-St. Paul. In addition to his administrative duties, Kinders currently serves as news bureau director, legislative liaison, community relations director, and information and media liaison to the Kansas City Chiefs.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University, a Master of Arts in History from UWRF, and a Master of Public Affairs from the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota.

"I'm honored by the confidence that the Northeastern campus, community and President Betz have shown by inviting me to be the vice president of University Relations, Kinders said. During my visit to the campuses and communities, it was apparent that great things are on the horizon for NSU. Like all universities and their communities, there will be challenges. But the enthusiasm that everyone associated with NSU expressed for the institution's future and their commitment to serving students, the region and the people of Oklahoma, is infectious.

Kinders toured NSUs main campus in Tahlequah and branch campuses in Muskogee and Broken Arrow earlier this month during a two-day visit during which he met with members of the NSU community in an open forum and with members of the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow communities, along with University Relations staff, the seven-member vice presidential search committee, and Betz.

Until recently, Kinders reported to Betz, who served three years as UWRF chancellor before returning to Northeastern as seventeenth president in July. He cited Betzs enthusiastic leadership and optimism about the possibilities for NSUs future as reasons for seeking the position.

With a long history of community and public service to his credit, Kinders facilitated the founding of the St. Croix Valley Regional Tourism Alliance, co-facilitated the founding of the Western Wisconsin Intergovernmental Collaborative, and chaired the NFL Search Committee that successfully recruited the Kansas City Chiefs to UWRF for Summer Training Camp, now in its 18th year.

In his new role, Kinders will be charged with finding ways to counter diminished state funding by pursuing resource options at the federal level and through private fundraising. Increasing enrollment and building grassroots public support through communications and integrated marketing efforts will be linked to a renewed focus on community and alumni relations, with the goal of strengthening NSUs educational and economic impact throughout the region. Collaboration within the institution and partnerships with external constituents are keys to success in these areas, Kinders noted.

Assisting Kinders in building relationships in the communities NSU serves and strengthening relationships with the universitys alumni will be Jerry Cook, appointed by Betz to serve as Director of Community Relations, a newly created position within the University Relations division.

I am pleased to have Mark as a member of the NSU leadership team as we both celebrate NSU's Centennial and launch our second century, said Betz. I am also delighted to have Jerry Cook's skills and experienceas a valued member of the University Relations team.

Cook, who was also a finalist for the position of Vice President for University Relations, is currently Optometry Program Representative in the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry. He has extensive experience within the business community and is a former mayor of Tahlequah. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Journalism and a Master of Business Administration from Northeastern State University, along with a Legal Assistant certificate from the University of Tulsa.

Cook joins Nancy Garber, director of Public Relations, and John Gyllin, director of Development and Executive Director of the NSU Foundation, to form the University Relations administrative team which will welcome Kinders to NSU later this semester.

"I look forward to assisting in achieving the vision that awaits NSU, Kinders said, and my wife Linda and I are delighted to become members of the NSU family."

9/19/2008

Published: 2008-09-22 00:00:00