Media Relations

The News at OU team provides the campus community with important, interesting and inspirational information pertaining to the people of Oakland University, the issues and ideas they explore and the many milestones, events and accomplishments they help bring about. We work diligently to provide a diverse and comprehensive picture of campus life, and we welcome the submission of story and photo ideas (email your ideas to [email protected]).

First and foremost, the team is committed to gathering and distributing information that is either of vital importance to students, staff and faculty, or that advances the university's efforts to achieve its institutional priorities. The latter include:

• Broadening OU's prominence as a national university
• Promoting international experiences and global connections
• Expanding professional education
• Engaging with local communities and developing partnerships
• Broadening a research-intensive agenda
• Strengthening student-friendly experiences
• Building student enrollment to 25,000
• Developing satellite campuses
• Providing opportunities for entrepreneurship

The most valued story ideas are those of interest to a wide audience within the campus community and, perhaps, to regional, state and even national audiences as well. Stories touching on prominent topics in the news, that involve compelling human interest elements, and that showcase any university distinction or honor also are highly valued.

Information related to events that involve or impact smaller segments of the university community can be shared via the events calendar.

For broader story ideas involving scheduled university events or any time-sensitive element, it is important that we are advised as much in advance as possible. The team rarely covers scheduled events after they've taken place, as community interest wanes quickly after the fact.

We are always anxious to learn about the exciting things happening at OU, and we hope everyone in the campus community will help us spread the good news.

As part of the university's policy on working with the media, all information distributed to the press, in any form, is required to be sent by the media relations team. To request a press release or media advisory to be written and distributed by the media relations team, please call Brian Bierley at (248) 370-4346 or email [email protected].

If you are approached by any media representative, refer the reporter to the UCM media relations team at (248) 370-4346. Coordination of contacts helps to ensure that university messages are communicated consistently.

General Information:
Brian Bierley
Director of Media Relations
(248) 370-4346
[email protected]

David Groves
Director of Campus Communications
(248) 370-2759
[email protected]

Sports Information:
Jordan Nelson
Coordinator of Athletic Communications
(248) 370-2933
[email protected]