PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Sarah Kidwell has been named director of news and communications at Brown University. Kidwell, most recently a broadcast media specialist in Brown’s Office of Media Relations, begins her new duties on Monday, Jan. 4, 2010.
In her new role, Kidwell will manage the daily operations of the media relations team and oversee news, stories and digital content about Brown produced by Public Affairs and University Relations.
“Since joining Brown as media relations specialist in November 2007, Sarah has made significant contributions to advancing the University’s visibility locally, nationally and internationally, particularly in the area of broadcast media,” said Marisa Quinn, vice president of Public Affairs and University Relations. “Over the past year, she has assumed the additional responsibility of producing video content for the Web, and has overseen the creation of segments that showcase faculty excellence at Brown, as well as the University’s rich diversity, commitment to financial aid and exceptional campus life. Her experience, enthusiasm, energy and creativity position her well for the news and communications position.”
Before coming to Brown, Kidwell’s career had been devoted to the television news industry, including working as a producer for NBC News and CNN. As a producer for NBC’s chief science correspondent in New York, she developed health and science news and features for all NBC platforms. Previously, she served as a field producer for NBC, producing both live events and news and feature pieces for Nightly News, TODAY, and MSNBC. During her time with CNN’s New York Bureau, Kidwell covered breaking news events and produced news and feature pieces on topics ranging from the 1992 U.S. presidential elections to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the O.J. Simpson trial. She also served as the network’s producer at the United Nations.
Director of University Communications Mark Nickel has served as interim media relations director since the position was vacated 18 months ago. “We are grateful to Mark for his steady leadership for the last year and half and appreciate his service to Brown,” said Quinn.