The Office of Public Affairs supports the mission of the University by serving as advocates for the University and by building and maintaining positive relationships with the public. It enhances the image and reputation of the University by increasing awareness of and appreciation for the variety and quality of University faculty, staff, students, administrators and programs locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Areas of responsibility focus on public relations encompassing media relations, community relations and government relations.

The OPA gathers, disseminates and manages information from all components of the University (including the extended campuses) and communicates key messages to both internal and external audiences (the general public and the media).

• Media Relations
  
  The media relations team is responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic media relations program designed to build the University’s visibility in print and broadcast media. To support and promote the University, the media relations team responds to media queries, coordinates media interviews and press conferences, prepares news releases and media kits and proactively develops and maintains effective working relationships with media personnel.
  
  Internally, the media relations team assists in defining the communication needs of the schools and colleges and recommends the most effective means to meet their goals, paying special attention to complex and/or sensitive issues.
  
  
• Community Relations
  
  The mission of the community relations effort is to present a positive image to the Webster Groves and surrounding communities, to facilitate a healthy and reliable dialogue and to build long-term, positive and productive relationships with the residents and business owners in Webster Groves and the greater St. Louis region.
  
  Key Messages:
  
  Webster University is an active and participative member of the Webster Groves community.
  Webster University is an asset to the Webster Groves community and to the greater St. Louis region.
  Webster University is eager to partner with the community and the city to work together to identify problems and create solutions.
  Webster University respects the traditions and history of Webster Groves, and sees itself as a part of that history and a part of the future.