For our fourth installment in the Higher Ed Superheroes series, we feature Paul Redfern, Vice President of Communications at St. Lawrence University.
Paul Redfern
Vice President of Communications
St. Lawrence University
Get to know Paul: Paul was named Vice President for Communications at St. Lawrence University in December 2017. He is responsible for leading efforts to strategically shape and communicate the compelling story of the St. Lawrence community of students, faculty, administration, and alumni. Previously he had served as Executive Director of Communications and Marketing at his alma mater Gettysburg College since June 2011. He is credited with transforming that office from a traditional public relations operation to a dynamic, innovative, and comprehensive integrated marketing program. He is also a frequent contributor to Inside Higher Ed’s Call to Action blog and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals (CUPRAP).
What was the most impactful project you’ve been associated with at your institution and what was your involvement? By far, the most impactful project I have been associated with at St. Lawrence University has been the launch of our comprehensive fundraising campaign. Campaigns help bring focus and clarity to an institution’s vision for the future. They are not just about fundraising, but also about instilling pride and rallying support for an institution. Our team did amazing and impactful work and I am proud to be a part of it.
Coolest pinch yourself moment at work? There have been many moments during the course of my 18-year career that I could talk about, but my work with the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College has produced several of these kind of moments. From having lunch with a former White House Counsel to two Presidents to having a conversation with members of NASA who were in the control room the day the Challenger exploded there are many memories that I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience.
What advice do you have for senior leaders about running a successful Marketing department? There are a few core ideas that I think you can use to help lead a successful Marketing and Communications department. I firmly believe that one of my most important jobs is to set the conditions so that my team can be successful. That means thinking about the right processes, organizations, priorities, and resources. I also think having a strong sense of self awareness is critically important. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses and building around them will lead to positive results.
What does your day-to-day look like as Vice President of Communications at St. Lawrence University? It truly is a no-two-days-are-alike. Like many vice presidents, I probably go to too many meetings. But that is the nature of the job. I try to spend my time making sure that my team has the resources they need to be successful. I also try to spend time thinking months and years down the road. Some days I do a better job than others.
Who is one person that influenced your career? The single most influential person in my career was my boss of 12 years at Gettysburg Barbara Fritze, vice president for enrollment and educational services. She gave me an opportunity at a critical point in my life and always supported me and had my best interests in mind. She appreciated my strengths and helped me build those areas that I needed to work on. She taught me how to think strategically, create partnerships, manage and advocate for resources, and lead with passion, integrity, and creativity. I simply would not be where I am today without her mentorship.
When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? I enjoy reading especially biographies and US History, but I don’t get to do enough of it. I also am a college basketball fan and enjoy turning on whatever game might be on.
Catch up on the series and get to know:
- Tera Buckley, Assistant Director, Marketing & Creative Services at University of North Dakota
- Ryan Nagdeman, Assistant Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Rush University Medical Center
- Rebecca Larson, Director of Web Communications at Wheaton College