Betsy Erikson Brown, APR
Betsy is responsible for overarching university brand strategy and initiatives to advance the Michigan brand and reputation, as well as integrated communications and marketing strategy across the enterprise. She leads the Michigan Creative, Michigan Media, and Michigan Photography units within OVPC. Her work is rooted in deep understanding of audiences, and using constituent behavioral data to establish marketing plans that achieve business goals. Betsy is also a lecturer in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, where she teaches an integrated marketing communications course to undergraduates.
Previously at U-M, Betsy was director of integrated marketing communications in the Office of Enrollment Management and director of marketing and communications in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. She has long been a key marketing collaborator on the university’s Go Blue Guarantee initiative, and led strategy and execution for the award-winning HAIL Scholarship campaign, both of which increase access to the university among low- and middle-income Michigan residents.
Over her career, Betsy has supported brands across the automotive, education, finance, information, and hospitality and tourism sectors. She holds a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in advertising from Michigan State University, where she also taught writing for media.
Betsy’s work has been recognized by the Public Relations Society of America with two PRSA Bronze Anvils, and by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the International Association of Business Communicators, and the Michigan and National School Public Relations associations. She and her husband live in Ann Arbor with their golden retriever, Maizey Blue.