Member Profile: Chuck Tombarge

Director of Public Relations/University Relations

Started at the University of Minnesota in January 2012

UMCF member since 2012

Chuck was nominated by Kelly O'Brien who admires him for managing the University's reputation and believes we should all have a deeper appreciation for what that takes.




Connect with Chuck online:
Twitter: @ctombarge
Facebook: facebook.com/chuck.tombarge
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chucktombarge

What brought you to your current job?
I was seeking a change after 7.5 years doing public affairs agency work. Specifically, I wanted to work for a single, mission-driven organization. A former colleague who was aware of changes in University Relations suggested I watch for this position posting. She believed the position would be in the sweet spot of my media, public organization communications and public affairs experience. I applied and everything fell into place. It was a great fit.

What is your favorite aspect of your job?
I love the variety. There is always something new, exciting -- and challenging -- happening at the U. It also feels like I'm experiencing college all over again. Having graduated from a private, liberal arts university (the University of St. Thomas), my college experience was much different than what is a Big Ten experience. I'm really enjoying the Big Ten, research, land-grant university experience.
 
What excites you about working at the U and for University Relations?
University Relations is incredibly fun because we touch all aspects of what the U does, and we have an opportunity to work with colleagues in all capacities across the U of M system. I enjoy supporting and helping to amplify the amazing things that happen on all of our campuses every day.

What is your favorite accomplishment at the U, so far?
Building a News Service team that pours its heart and soul into everything it does. We are well equipped to support our colleagues across the system and when we misstep, we are usually the first to point it out and find a solution to correct the situation. The News Service -- and everyone in U Relations and Gov Relations -- truly work as a team and have each others' backs. I'm proud to work among such great professionals.

What advice do you have for communicators at the University of Minnesota?
Be willing to ask for help and tap each others' expertise when you need to. There is a wealth of experience and unique expertise among the U's communicators. And the collegial and collaborative atmosphere among communicators is second to none.

Tell us about one of the coolest projects you've worked on for your job at the U?
Though I'm at arms length from it, I've enjoyed my involvement in and watching the Discover/new UMNews web site come together. It will be one of the most visible representations of how U Relations and the News Service are approaching media relations and communications in a new way. Rather than being bound by our own structures and tools (e.g. a press release vs. a web site story vs. a media advisory), the site will present all great stories as great content. That will make the site seamless for visitors and should allow all of the communicators involved a more effective way to achieve our common goal of effectively telling the U's story.

What is your best/more amusing U-related memory?
The team trips to the Big Ten News Directors conferences in Nebraska and Wisconsin with the U's News Service team.

What is your favorite place on campus?  
I really like the St. Paul campus, despite the limited amount of time I'm able to spend there. The green, open space makes it feel like a retreat in the city.  

What do you consider to be a best kept secret about the U?
That it truly is a world-class University. Growing up in Minnesota, the U wasn't looked to as a place that provides a great education, a personal student experience and the location of life-changing research. I think Minnesotans and others are beginning to catch on, but there is more work to do.

Your hometown and the first place you lived after leaving your hometown?
St. Anthony Village, MN. My first job out of college was as a reporter for the Austin Daily Herald in Austin, MN.

What do you do for fun?   
Travel and being outdoors in fall.

If I could do it all over again, I would:
Study abroad in college.