Paul Redfern is out as St. Lawrence University’s vice president for communications and institutional strategy. That’s according to an email sent to SLU faculty attributed to President Kathryn A. Morris.
Redfern reportedly decided to step down from his role to pursue “other professional opportunities.” He has helmed SLU’s communications arm since 2018, which notably led to him becoming the messenger for SLU administrators during the pandemic.
According to the email, Redfern also contributed to the Experience St. Lawrence Taskforce, the Campaign for Every Laurentian, and the Center for the Environment Taskforce, and served on multiple leadership search committees.
Morris said that Redfern was one of the key players on her transition team when she first arrived at SLU in 2021. “I will forever be grateful for his support and wise counsel,” she wrote.
Morris also addressed the future of SLU communications. “My initial focus will be working directly with those who work in the division to identify immediate reporting lines and to make progress on strategic goals,” wrote Morris.
Morris concluded the email by thanking Redfern for his service to the broader SLU community. “I know you will join me in thanking Paul for his service to St. Lawrence and in wishing him well in his future endeavors,” penned Morris.
University communications oversee a wide variety of outward-facing content including SLU sanctioned news & editorial content, the university magazine, event publicity, Merit Pages, logos and licensing, as well as working with licensee North Country Public Radio, a National Public Radio affiliate station.
Redfern last emailed the student body as a whole on September 17. He relayed a letter from Karl Spiecker which talked about outsourcing SLU information technology to a third party. Redfern also sent emails last spring about winter weather advisories.
Additionally, Redfern served as the president of the board of directors of College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals (CUPRAP). It is unclear whether Redfern will retain that position moving forward.
According to TeacherCareerCoach.com, most academic administrators at least wait until the end of the year before calling it quits, meaning that Redfern’s resignation is an anomaly. This comes as SLU is facing an operational deficit of more than $10 million, of which Redfern oversaw faculty townhall meetings from the communications end. Last year Redfern made $184,029 with an additional $30,416 in benefits.
It is unclear what the future of SLU communications will look like without Redfern leading the way. President Morris promised that she will share more information in the coming weeks.