Dana Topousis, who has led the Office of Strategic Communications at the University of California, Davis, since 2015, recently received a national award for her work in public relations — named by the PRNEWS Group industry association as a “Top Woman in PR” after being nominated by Chancellor Gary S. May.

Topousis joined UC Davis in June 2105 as the executive director of News and Media Relations and subsequently became the interim director of the Office of Strategic Communications, serving in that capacity until 2017 when Chancellor May, after a national search, appointed her chief marketing and communications officer in charge of Strategic Communications.

She works closely with the chancellor on his communications and oversees an award-winning staff of writers, photographers and videographers, graphic and web designers, bloggers and podcasters, and marketing and social media professionals on the Davis and Sacramento campuses — all tasked with conveying university news and other content to external and internal audiences, including prospective students.

Her office also is responsible for the university’s branding, including the new mantra, “Outgrow the Expected.”

In a letter of congratulations, Chancellor May described Topousis’ PR award as a significant distinction that speaks to her outstanding leadership skills on two fronts: organizing effective, multilayered communications strategies to share how UC Davis is addressing critical issues and working to make positive change; and informing, assisting and uniting the campus community.

“I’m honored to be recognized by PRNEWS, and I thank Chancellor May for his support over the years,” Topousis said. “I have an incredibly talented team and wonderfully collaborative colleagues here at UC Davis. To be recognized during such a challenging year for those of us in communications, I am grateful for working with great people within a supportive environment.”

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