Office of Communications and Public Affairs records

The Office of Communications and Public Affairs disseminates public information about the college, its people, and its programs. In addition, the office directs the production of printed material for all college divisions and departments. This office began in 1962 as a single position: Director of News Services. Joseph Kamin, the first director, held the position until 1982. The office grew through a number of changes in responsibilities, organization, and personnel. Originally, the office was under the direction of the Executive Secretary of the College. In the 1970s it was relocated under the Office of Development. In a 1983 reorganization, News Services was combined with other college publications, such as the alumni magazine, under the Director of Public Relations. Further responsibilities were added, such as publication of the College Calendar, and by 1986 the position was known as Director of College Relations. In 1989, these services were grouped into a separate office, still under the direction of the Development Office, as the Office of Public Relations and Publications. Organizational changes resulted in further name changes in 1992 (College Relations), 1993 (Communications), and 1999 (Communications and Public Affairs). The Bowdoin College Website was created in 1996. The website platform is managed by the Bowdoin College Office of Communications; web content is overseen by a distributed editor community of staff and faculty across the College. Starting circa 2009, the Office of Communications and Public Affairs created official “Bowdoin College” social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. In 2011, the Office of Communications and Public Affairs became a stand-alone unit reporting to the president.