UAMS Selects Vice Chancellor for Communications

05-31-02 (Little Rock)  Pat Torvestad has been named Vice Chancellor for Communications at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  In this newly created position, she will direct all internal and external communications, marketing, advertising, public relations, community relations, publications, and the UAMS website.

Currently the director of planning and development at the University of Arkansas System, Torvestad is responsible for development of the University’s Clinton School of Public Service.  According to UofA System President B. Alan Sugg, she will also continue to work in this capacity and spend a portion of her time at the system office.

Prior to joining the University of Arkansas System, Torvestad was director of marketing and public relations for UAMS Medical Center from 1991-97.  In that role, she led the effort to change public and professional perceptions of University Hospital from a “charity hospital” to a comprehensive academic medical center with many world-class clinics and programs. 

UAMS now includes five centers of excellence:  the Arkansas Cancer Research Center, the Jones Eye Institute, the Donald W. Reynolds Center on Aging, the soon-to-be-completed Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neurosciences Institute, and the emerging Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy. Educational programs at UAMS consist of the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Related Professions, Public Health, and the Graduate School.  Through seven clinics and satellite facilities statewide, the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program based at UAMS extends medical and health training programs to rural areas where health–care needs are often greatest. 

“UAMS is very fortunate to be able to have Pat rejoin us as our first Vice Chancellor for Communications,” said Chancellor I. Dodd Wilson, M.D.  “She did a great job for us before, and I have tremendous confidence in her ability to design and direct this new office.”

Torvestad is a graduate of the University of Arkansas.  She was a member of Governor Bill Clinton’s first cabinet, and later served as Associate Director of Account Services at Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods.   She was selected as “Advertising Person of the Year” in 1995 by the Arkansas Advertising Federation, was named to Arkansas Business’ list of “Top 100 Women in Arkansas,” and was chosen for the Leadership Greater Little Rock Alumni’s Distinguished Leadership Award in 1997.  In 1994 and 1995 she co-chaired the first two Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events and served as President of the Arkansas Chapter in 1997.  Also in 1997, she was Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Committee.  From 1996-99 she was President of the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Association.

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PR Contact:    
Mike H. Mottler, Director
University Relations                              
Phone:  501-686-6270  
Fax:      501-686-5067 
E-mail:  mottlermikeh@uams.edu   

03/30/07