Plymouth University Appoints Weber Shandwick

LONDON – 09 January, 2011 – Plymouth University has appointed Weber Shandwick to raise its media profile in the UK and internationally, following a competitive selection process.

Plymouth University, recently named recipient of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, will be working with Weber Shandwick to consolidate its position as the Enterprise University and amplify its voice on broader business and economic issues. This appointment is the latest step in boosting the university’s growing presence on the national stage, positioning it at the forefront of key higher education debates and highlighting its world-leading research, as well as its teaching and learning excellence.

Wendy Purcell, vice chancellor and CEO of Plymouth University, commented: “We want to show that Plymouth University is committed to providing a first-class education for a true representation of the UK population and that we are striving to equip our students with the necessary skills, knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to excel at their chosen course and stand out in the competitive graduate market.

“We have a diverse, creative and extremely dedicated team of academics and students who produce world class research and ideas. Weber Shandwick will help us bring those stories to a wider audience.”

Marcus Smith, Weber Shandwick’s head of international affairs, said: “Plymouth University is one of the top 350 universities in the world, according to the Times Higher World Universities rankings, and is a genuine asset to the South West, playing a leading role in the region’s socioeconomic regeneration. We believe there is a great story to tell on their behalf and we are looking forward to working with their team.