By Christina E. Thomas
University Relations

MURFREESBORO – Although she’s no stranger to executing communication plans or developing brand strategies, she may be a stranger to you.

In April, Chowan University announced plans to restructure their approach to University Relations; plans that included promoting Brooke Reich to a new role as Senior Development Director and Director of University Relations and Communication. The change brought Reich’s formerly behind-the-scenes work to the forefront as the public face and voice of the University.

“Brooke brings a wealth of marketing experience to Chowan and has demonstrated her ability to expand and elevate the Chowan brand very effectively both internally and externally over the past two years,” stated John M. Tayloe, Vice President for Development. “When the position opened, it was obvious to both Dr. White and I that Brooke had earned the opportunity to lead the University Relations division of the Development Office.”

A native of Weslaco, TX, Reich joined the Chowan University Office of Development in 2014 as Associate Director of University Relations. Reich’s goal is to share “the Chowan story” with as many people as possible through the use of her experience in marketing and communication. She hopes the stories will, in turn, invite others to become a part of what Chowan is accomplishing.

“Chowan is a very special place with a really compelling story,” says Reich. “We have many different departments all doing very important work, sometimes rather independently of each other. By fostering collaboration and cooperation across departments, University Relations seeks to ensure that Chowan is represented with a unified voice and vision.”

Reich holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Baylor University. She and her husband, Dr. Keith Reich, moved to Murfreesboro from Waco, TX in 2011 when he accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Religion at Chowan. Reich spent seven years as the Marketing Manager of an independent, faith-based company located in Waco. Two of those years she worked remotely from Murfreesboro following their move. After the birth of their daughter in 2013, the travel became more complicated and Reich began to pursue change.

“I realized traveling back and forth to Texas wasn’t in the best interest of my family,” she says. “This opportunity in the Development Office gave me a chance to bring body, mind, heart, and soul back together”

She is also actively involved in the Murfreesboro community now that travel is no longer part of the equation, serving as President of the Murfreesboro Rotary Club, volunteering with the Murfreesboro Baptist Church children’s ministry, and assisting with the Watermelon Princess contest.

In her new position Reich is responsible for editorial oversight and design of CU Today, Chowan’s alumni magazine. She will also direct communication strategy, assign and edit news releases and feature stories, and offer insight and direction on the University’s social media presence. She also lends her graphic design skills to create a variety of print items for Development events as well as other departments across campus.

For more information about Chowan University, visit www.chowan.edu or call 1-888-4-CHOWAN.