Few things are more powerful than a good story told well. Since arriving at the University of Pennsylvania in 2011, Steve MacCarthy has been a transformative leader, spearheading a new era of storytelling and communications in support of the Penn community. A steadfast advisor across presidencies, he has also been an extraordinary colleague and friend throughout campus and beyond.
As Vice President for University Communications, Steve elevated the work of University Communications to new heights. Among his many accomplishments, Steve created Penn Today, which now boasts nearly a quarter of a million subscribers to its newsletters and has grown to include interactive news pages that are accessed millions of times annually. Drawing on his deep and varied experience—including 35 years in higher education and time as a Hollywood writer—Steve has a gift for storytelling. These experiences, combined with unparalleled industry knowledge and instincts, have contributed directly to the University Communications that Penn knows and benefits from today.
Recruited by President Amy Gutmann, Steve lent invaluable communications support to various landmark strategic initiatives, from the Penn Compact to Penn’s pioneering support for first-generation and low-income students. He also supported Interim President Wendell Pritchett and, most recently, the successful presidential transition and first year of President Liz Magill’s tenure.
Steve has also been a steady, calming, and sage voice as Penn navigated the unique challenges of communicating throughout the pandemic. During the most trying periods, when information was scarce and uncertainty abundant, Penn’s communication with our community was of paramount importance. Steve provided deft, strategic, and compassionate counsel for keeping the University community informed, safe, and operative across all our academic missions.
Steve’s years at Penn are the capstone to an impressive higher education career. He previously served as Vice President for External Relations at the University of Arizona and, before that, as Vice President for University Relations at Penn State. In his last five years at Penn State, he also served as Chief of Staff to the President. Prior to Penn State, Steve spent eight and a half years with the California State University System, the last seven of those in charge of public affairs and university relations.
RESOLVED, that the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, on behalf of themselves, the Advisors, administration, faculty, students, staff, and alumni of the University, convey their deep appreciation to Stephen J. MacCarthy for his leadership and significant contributions as Vice President for University Communications.
