Office of Marketing and Communication's Mildred McNeill to Retire

After 14 years of leadership, Mildred McNeill will retire from the University of Hartford on June 30. 

Mildred came to the University in 2007 as a director in marketing communication, supervising the marketing staff responsible for the website, graphic design, advertising, and publications. In 2008, she was promoted to lead the office, charged with enhancing University visibility, recognition, and reputation, in addition to managing a web redesign project that introduced a professional content management system. 

In 2011, she conducted the University’s first ever image and identity research, to streamline and integrate University messaging, with an emphasis on overall academic excellence and student support. The result was an award-winning branding and image campaign introduced in 2013 that included a new style guide and messaging, new print and online materials, redesigned University and athletic logos, a television commercial, social media campaigns, and an updated web site.

Mildred has always been committed to the placement and solicitation of news coverage, consulting with leadership and providing advice on communication strategies, crisis communication, and best practices. She has developed media outreach strategies and relationships, while planning and executing countless high-profile and complex events. Some of the events she planned and coordinated include President Obama’s visit to campus, senatorial and gubernatorial candidate debates, a 10-year 9/11 commemoration, construction kickoff and opening for the Handel Performing Arts Center, University High School of Science and Engineering’s first graduation ceremony, 10th  anniversary of the University of Hartford magnet school, Alumni Plaza dedication, annual Founders Day and MLK Day observances, Hartford Scholars donor recognition events, and numerous faculty/staff kickoffs.  

Mildred also served as an inaugural participant in the Laura Johnson Initiative for Women Leaders, on the President’s Commission on Women, MLK Day planning committee, President’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, University Partnership Council, Foundations of the Future, Situation Management Team (SMT), the President’s Council, the Belonging and Being Seen Travelers Partnership planning committee, and as co-chair of the Faculty and Staff of Color Affinity Group.

Prior to UHart, she worked in marketing at United Way of the Capital Area in Hartford, helping the now nearly 100-year old agency achieve record fundraising results of over $25 million and exceed its fundraising goals. Previously, she developed and implemented public relations and communication programs for the Connecticut Education Association, the state’s largest teachers’ union, and for the Office of the State Treasurer. She began her career in television, working for 13 years at Connecticut’s NBC affiliate (WVIT, Channel 30), where she became the first black female television news director in the country and was ultimately appointed vice president, news and public affairs. 

Mildred is a connector and a trailblazer. Thank you, Mildred, for your deep dedication and myriad of contributions to the University. We wish you only the best as you begin a well-deserved retirement with your family.