University of Richmond Announces Retirement of Vice President for Communications

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond has announced the forthcoming retirement of its vice president for communications and Chief Marketing Officer.

John M. Barry, who has served as the University’s first vice president for communications since 2016, will retire on July 29. His focus has included establishing UR’s first Division of Communications, building UR’s brand and reputation, and actively engaging key University constituencies.

Barry led efforts to advance the reach and reputation of Richmond nationally. Through a variety of initiatives, such as a national branding program and a dedicated effort to earn broader recognition of the scholarly and creative work of the faculty, UR made significant progress in increasing awareness across the nation. The increased national reputation is evidenced by the University’s highest ever U.S. News & World Report National Liberal Arts College ranking of 22.

“Under John’s leadership, University Communications has done a wonderful job of telling UR’s story,” UR President Kevin Hallock said. “University Communications has helped build community and extend the reach and reputation of UR.”

Barry has spent more than 35 years in higher education administration.

“It has been rewarding for me to witness higher education embrace the idea of marketing communications and brand building and to assist each of the universities I have served to grow in national reputation and stature,” Barry said.

Before Richmond, Barry served as vice president for communications and chief marketing officer for Baylor University, serving as the architect of a comprehensive communications strategy that supported the development of Baylor’s ten-year strategic plan. At Baylor, he also served a year as interim vice president of university development.

He began his career at the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at the University of Connecticut (now based at Cornell University), which led to his focus on ensuring that communications decisions are research-based and targeted to specific audiences. He also served as director of University Communications at the University of Connecticut, from which he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

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