UToledo Names New Vice President of Marketing and Communications

UToledo Names New Vice President of Marketing and Communications

The University of Toledo has named Nicole Szymczak as vice president of marketing and communications following a national search. She begins her new role on Monday, July 20.

Szymczak joins UToledo from Michigan State University, where she has spent her career turning complex institutional stories into compelling, mission-driven communications. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in leading organizations through transformation using brand strategy, alignment and storytelling.

At MSU, Szymczak serves as senior director of communications and marketing for MSU Health Sciences, where she oversees communications for a multi-college academic health enterprise.

She also co-directs communications for the Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences partnership, a 30-year commitment to expand healthcare access across Michigan, reduce health disparities and accelerate cancer research and innovation. In that role, she has led initiatives involving clinical integration, brand transformation and technology change, and helped to advance the partnership's growing presence in Detroit through research and community-impact storytelling.

"Nicole brings exactly the kind of transformational thinking UToledo needs as we continue to expand our impact and our reputation, both locally and nationally," President James Holloway said. "My goal for us is to grow, and I think Nicole can help us do that. Her ability to align brand strategy with institutional mission - and to do so in a compelling way - will help us achieve our purpose and our promise. I am thrilled to welcome her to our leadership team."

Prior to her current position, Szymczak held senior leadership roles at MSU's College of Communication Arts & Sciences and Lansing Community College. A two-time Emmy-nominated local television executive producer, she earned her bachelor's degree in journalism from MSU.

"UToledo's strength is in its people and the impact they have on the community," Szymczak said. "I'm honored to join President Holloway's team, inspired by his vision for the future and grateful to build on the strong foundation already in place. I'm energized by the chance to help amplify UToledo's story and contribute to the next chapter of an institution with this much momentum."

The search was led by Dr. Melissa Gregory, dean of the Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences and Education. Committee members included Dr. Tony Bourne, vice president of strategic enrollment management; Dr. Charles Callahan, executive vice president for clinical affairs; Jen Sorgenfrei, interim vice president for marketing and communications; Dr. Jerry VanHoy, associate professor of sociology and law and social thought; and Dr. Connor Whelan, deputy athletic director and chief revenue officer.

The University partnered with WittKieffer to assist with recruitment.