Media Relations

The Whitworth University Marketing & Communications team seeks to increase Whitworth's visibility locally, regionally and nationally by working with journalists and media contacts to cover all facets of university life, from notable research and study-abroad opportunities to breaking news. The team facilitates media events, connects reporters with faculty experts, and works with individuals across campus to highlight Whitworth's community and culture.

Links & Resources for Media

Our office is the first point of contact for members of the media interested in stories about Whitworth or in finding a faculty expert, and we will respond promptly to inquiries. We strive to foster strong relationships with local, regional and national media professionals and are happy to arrange visits to campus, arrange interviews with our faculty and staff, and provide timely and relevant information about Whitworth.

To request information or arrange a visit to campus, please contact Associate Director of Media Relations Trisha Coder at 509.777.4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

Information for Campus

The media relations manager works directly with faculty and staff to publicize campus events and programs. The university communications office has developed relationships with key stakeholders across traditional and online media channels. By working with our office, you benefit from these relationships, and our staff's extensive experience will help you identify the best media outlets for maximum exposure of your story.

We work directly with faculty and staff to publicize the following:

University events
Awards/honors
Research activities
Student achievements
Faculty achievements

If you would like our assistance publicizing an event, please contact Associate Director of Media Relations Trisha Coder (tcoder@whitworth.edu) with the following information:

Name of the event
Date and time of the event
Location of the event
Name and contact information for the organizer of the event
Quote from organizer about anything that stands out about the event: What makes it unique? How many years has it been held? Why will people want to attend?
Ticket information

Press releases will not be issued for every event, but we can get the word out through a number of other channels (like social media). Marketing & communications will have the final say on what we publicize and where. If you're interested in a more comprehensive marketing strategy, take advantage of our marketing advising service.

On the day a press release is issued and a few days after, faculty and staff should be available to answer a reporter's questions as quickly as possible. With short deadlines, a reporter may drop a story if they cannot reach you. Our office can provide media protocol training to prepare you for these conversations.

Media are looking for specific kinds of stories. These guidelines should help you decide whether a story is of media interest.

Human interest: Does the story share something about the human experience? Does it put a human face on a concept, idea or current event? Does it tug at the heartstrings? If it interests you and interests your friends and family, then the media will most likely be interested.
Impact: How does the story affect readers, listeners or viewers? Can they relate to it? Will it cause them to take some sort of action?
Timeliness: Is the story relevant today?
Unusual: Does the story relay an out-of-the-ordinary experience? Is this the first, last or biggest?

If you're unsure of whether your story or event will spark media interest, contact Associate Director of Media Relations Trisha Coder (tcoder@whitworth.edu).