UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – An experienced leader in media relations, brand positioning and issues management and former associate vice chancellor of communications at UCLA today (Sept. 8) was named Penn State’s vice president for strategic communications, beginning Oct. 8. His appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees at their next full meeting Sept. 19.Lawrence H. Lokman, founder and managing director of Window In Communications in Los Angeles, Calif., has led nationally recognized advertising, advocacy and social marketing initiatives for a wide range of organizations. Over the past three years, Lokman’s clients have included educational, nonprofit and private sector enterprises such as Stanford University, California Coalition for Public Higher Education, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s Hilton Humanitarian Prize, Product Development Technologies and the University of Southern California’s Gould School of Law.
“This search has brought us an extremely qualified candidate in Lawrence Lokman. His breadth of experience, not only in higher education, but in other sectors is impressive and will serve Penn State well,” said Penn State President Eric Barron, who appointed Lokman. “He is enthusiastic and eager to again take on the challenges of leading the communications efforts for a large public research university. We are excited to have Lawrence on board.”From 2002-2010, Lokman served as associate vice chancellor at the University of California, Los Angeles, in charge of a staff of 60, with responsibility for public outreach, marketing, special events and protocol, fundraising communications, media relations, and crisis and executive communications. During his tenure, Lokman oversaw the establishment of UCLA’s successful YouTube, Facebook and Twitter channels and the introduction of UCLA’s broadcast media studio and online newsroom. He was the architect of the successful “UCLA Unabashed” and “My BigUCLA Moment” print, television and online ad campaigns. The various efforts have been profiled in Businessweek, The Wall Street Journal and Ad Age.
At UCLA, Lokman also led issues management communications on multiple local, state and national crises, including UCLA’s response to a campaign of targeted bombings against biomedical research faculty.Before working at UCLA, Lokman served as vice president of The Rogers Group, one of the most respected and influential public relations firms in Los Angeles, where he co-led a team that landed the largest account in the firm’s history — a three-year, $36 million social marketing campaign for the Rob Reiner-led First 5 California.Lokman also was a senior communications consultant for the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, the nation’s largest municipal utility, and from 1991-98 served as vice president of programs for The Century Council, where he developed national award-winning underage drinking prevention campaigns and directed advertising and public relations support.
“Penn State is a remarkable university, with a passionate student body and dedicated alumni network second to none, outstanding leadership and growing international recognition for its academic prowess,” said Lokman. “This is a particularly exciting time to serve one of the nation’s great public institutions.”In his new position at Penn State, Lokman will oversee 55 employees in five units that include Campus and Community Affairs, Internet Communications, News and Media Relations, Research Communications, and University Marketing and Advertising. Through effective communications and marketing, the Office of Strategic Communications helps to position and bring greater impact and recognition to Penn State as a national and international leader among America’s premier universities.