This spring, Heather Murphy, Chief Communications Officer, received the Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award (CSEA). Since her promotion to the Library’s first Chief Communications Officer (CCO) position in 2017, Murphy has positively transformed the University Library’s communications strategy and helped foster stronger connections between the Library and its many audiences, including students, faculty, alumni, and the broader public. Her leadership has been central to award-winning communication campaigns, the implementation of accessible design standards, the coordination of media relations and crisis communications, and the management of the Library’s social media, digital signage, and newsletters. Her efforts ultimately make accessing library services, events, and new resources easier, fostering a more informed and engaged academic community.
Heather has proven adept at creating award-winning communications that showcase the Library’s strengths. A notable example is the “Campaign to Transform the University Library: The Next Page of the Campus Story” video, which won the 2022 Association of Research Libraries’ Film Festival Award for “Best Publicity/Marketing” and a 2022 Silver Telly Award in the “General-Educational Institution – Non-Broadcast” category. Moreover, she transformed the Library’s annual reports into functional and visually stunning calendars, showcasing images of Library collections alongside key achievements. This redesign significantly increased donor engagement and earned three Circle of Excellence Awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), one of the largest international associations of educational institutions.
Murphy is noted for her commitment, attention to detail, and resourcefulness. As a colleague, mentor, and leader, Heather fosters an inclusive, supportive environment where her colleagues feel truly valued. Associate Chancellor Robin Kaler noted, “Heather has served on the CCO leadership group for years, and she always offers a thoughtful, wise perspective when we are discussing shared challenges and opportunities. Her colleagues across campus seek her counsel on a variety of issues…She is always responsive, kind, and helpful…She is a true partner and a valued colleague.” Murphy, who last fall received the Library’s Outstanding Academic Professional Award, was honored at an April 23 campus presentation, along with 15 other recipients of CSEA awards. Along with the recognition, the designation comes with a $1,500 cash award.
