RICHARDSON, Texas (Sept. 7, 2006) — Signaling a desire to develop even stronger relationships and programs with stakeholders in the community as well as with state and local elected and appointed officials, Dr. David E. Daniel, president of The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) today announced the appointment of Amanda Oneacre Rockow as the university’s vice president for public affairs.
Currently the vice president of government relations at the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, Rockow will join U.T. Dallas Oct. 9. She replaces Carlos Peña, who left the university in July for a position in the private sector.
Amanda Oneacre Rockow
Reporting directly to Daniel, Rockow will serve as the chief governmental and community relations liaison for the university. She will be charged with building relationships with state and local political officials, monitoring legislative and regulatory initiatives, representing the university before civic and community groups and businesses, and providing leadership to the office of public affairs.
Rockow also will work with Daniel to develop and implement strategic and operational plans for the university’s public affairs program, to engage local and state leadership with the university’s vision and to contribute to the quality educational experience that exemplifies UTD.
Daniel noted that Rockow’s background and experience would be a huge benefit to the university.
“Amanda brings tremendous insight and numerous contacts at the regional and state level,” Daniel said. “I, along with the rest of my cabinet, welcome her. I look forward to working closely with her to grow our public affairs program and continuing to educate our constituents about the important role of U.T. Dallas to this area and beyond.”
Rockow was equally enthusiastic.
“I look forward to joining UTD, particularly under the leadership of Dr. Daniel and at a time when the university is taking great strides to build its presence and reputation not only regionally and state-wide, but also on the national stage,” Rockow said. “I look forward to spreading the word at all levels of government regarding all this university, its students and its leaders have to offer.”
During 10 years with the Greater Dallas Chamber, Rockow was responsible for lobbying for regional business issues at the local, state and federal levels. In addition to researching and analyzing issues of potential impact on the Dallas region’s business community, she also developed and recommended policy positions via an intricate network of volunteers and committees and advocated critical issues to elected representatives.
Prior to that, Rockow worked with the City of Boulder Youth Services in Boulder, Colo., where she managed the Youth Opportunities Fund, which provided city money for youth participation in cultural, recreational or educational activities in return for community service.
Rockow received her B.A. from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
About UTD
The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor®, enrolls more than 14,500 students. The school’s freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UTD, please visit the university’s web site at www.utdallas.edu