Princeton University Names New VP Of Communications

PRINCETON, NJ — A former senior for official at several federal agencies has been named Princeton University’s vice president for communications and public affairs, the university announced on Tuesday. Brent Colburn, the current vice president for communications at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, will assume his new role as of Feb. 1. He succeeds Robert Durkee, who is stepping down from this position, but will remain as vice president and secretary.

“I am delighted that Brent Colburn is joining Princeton’s administration,” Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber said. “He combines first-rate experience in government and communications with a deep commitment to the mission of this University. Brent’s talent, energy, and values are impressive, and I believe that he will be a spectacular colleague for all of us at Princeton.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to be joining the leadership team at Princeton,” Colburn said. “I’m looking forward to working with the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the entire Princeton family in support of President Eisgruber’s vision for the University. Princeton’s history of academic excellence combined with its commitment to developing a culture of service to others couldn’t be more relevant or critical than it is today, and I hope that my experiences and talents will make a positive contribution to its important work.”

Colburn will serve as the university’s spokesperson, and oversee the presentation of the university’s objectives and activities. He will have responsibility for the offices of public (primarily state) affairs, government affairs (located in Washington, D.C.), and community and regional affairs.

In his current role, he is the primary communications strategist, manager and spokesperson for a philanthropic organization founded by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and pediatrician and educator Dr. Priscilla Chan.

• Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Defense;
• Chief of staff for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; national communications director of the 2012 Obama for America campaign;
• Assistant secretary for public affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and
• Director of external affairs for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

He has a bachelor’s degree in government and a master’s degree in public policy from the College of William & Mary. He was a fellow in residence at the Harvard University Institute of Politics.

The attached image of Brent Colburn was provided by Princeton University