UW System names new communications leader

Alex Hummel has been named associate vice president for communications with the UW System Administration (UWSA).

UW System Vice President for University Relations James Villa announced the appointment. In his role, Hummel will provide administrative oversight of the UWSA communications staff and help lead and coordinate UW System’s strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.

“Alex’s track record heralding the successes of UW System’s third-largest campus will help us continue to keep the spotlight on the countless ways our institutions drive and improve the quality of life and prosperity of Wisconsin’s people, communities and businesses,” Villa said. “Alex’s respect for each institution’s unique initiatives and success stories will help us more strongly demonstrate to the people of Wisconsin the multifaceted return-on-investment of UW System throughout Wisconsin.”

Hummel, 38, has served as director of news services and public relations in the Office of Integrated Marketing Communications at UW-Oshkosh since January 2011. He worked with senior Oshkosh leadership to help lead strategic internal and external university communications. He also provided creative and editorial direction and content for the campus news presence, websites, annual reports and alumni magazine, while serving as the institution’s media relations and public information officer.

“I am thrilled and honored to have an opportunity to give back to this globally recognized and respected higher education system and my home state,” Hummel said. “Our UW System institutions, colleges, Extension offices and array of responsive initiatives are, every day, helping tens of thousands of Wisconsinites achieve more, confront our shared challenges, and propel old and new enterprises of all shapes, sizes and missions. It is an ongoing story of dedication and hard work we can be proud to share.”

Previously, Hummel served as the community outreach and school prevention education coordinator for Neenah-based Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. Between 1999 and 2009, Hummel also worked for the Oshkosh Northwestern newspaper (Gannett Wisconsin Media) as an award-winning journalist, serving as editorial page and community conversation editor and, before that, as a local government, public affairs and investigative reporter.

Hummel grew up in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, and currently lives in Oshkosh with his wife, Brenda. He graduated from UW-Platteville with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast technology management and a minor in journalism.