When Colleen Wilcox put on her gold hard hat for the Inauguration Build in September, it represented more than her work with Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County in building homes. It symbolized her work as a community builder. NDWorks spoke with Wilcox, the director of engagement communications in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications (OPAC), about the scope and effect of her role working in regional and local communities, and what the future holds.
How long have you worked at Notre Dame?
In March, I will celebrate seven years at the University.
Can you tell us a little about your past positions? How have those experiences formed who you are today in this position?
Before joining OPAC, I served as the communications director at Notre Dame Global for six years, where I led the development and execution of strategic communications and branding initiatives that elevated the University’s global reputation. I take particular pride in the success of our global communications team, which earned several prestigious awards, including the 2023 Ragan Video, Visual, and Virtual Award for the creation of The Fabric of a Global University exhibit at The History Museum in South Bend. This recognition celebrated the exhibit’s compelling storytelling, highlighting South Bend’s emergence as a vibrant global community. I am thankful for our partners at ND Creative, whose innovative approach brought our vision to life in such a compelling way.
Earlier in my career, I worked as a news anchor and reporter for television networks across the country. Although I no longer work in the media industry, I continue to shape the next generation of journalists by teaching a course in Notre Dame’s Gallivan Program in Journalism, Ethics, and Democracy.
What do you do as the director of engagement communications?
In my role, I convene with University partners to understand the breadth of Notre Dame’s community engagement initiatives and communicate and amplify those efforts across local, regional, and global platforms.
The University’s activities with community partners are a key component of Notre Dame’s strategic framework, and communicating these stories brings the framework to life. With so many exciting projects and dynamic partnerships currently underway in the region, on behalf of the University, my goal is to capture and showcase these stories to build on the momentum and further elevate our impact.
We call this communication effort BeyoND, which is captured in a monthly newsletter and on Instagram. BeyoND highlights the many ways the University works beyond the confines of campus, deepening connections and commitments to the region through collaborations with local businesses, government, educational institutions, and community organizations.
In what ways do you work with the community?
Earlier this year, we created a strategic working group composed of key community partners to help us imagine the BeyoND brand, refine the messaging, and set a clear direction for the future. This group included representatives from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor, Visit South Bend Mishawaka, the city of South Bend, La Casa de Amistad, Beacon Health, and various stakeholders from Notre Dame. Their input has played a role in shaping the evolving narrative of BeyoND.
Curious about what’s coming next for both Notre Dame and South Bend? Stay informed and connected by subscribing to the BeyoND newsletter at publicaffairs.nd.edu.
In addition, our team continues to collaborate closely with our partners at Visit South Bend Mishawaka and the city of South Bend as we prepare for the upcoming spring ribbon-cutting celebration of the Link Trail.
At the core of my role is relationship-building, as I work to amplify and share the success stories emerging from the dynamic growth of
this community. Being consistently present and engaged with our partners is essential as we continue to tell the stories that reflect the vibrancy of our shared future.
What has been the most rewarding thing you have been involved with since taking this
position?
The gold bedazzled construction helmet on my desk serves as a daily reminder of Inauguration Build 2024, a transformative community service project created in honor of Notre Dame’s 18th president, Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. Our office collaborated with various campus partners and Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County to bring this initiative to life. The most rewarding aspect was witnessing Notre Dame faculty, staff, and students working side-by-side with Habitat volunteers and future homeowners to build something meaningful. My role was not only to help plan and support the event, but also to capture the stories unfolding on the build site in South Bend’s Near Northwest Neighborhood. This collaborative effort was a true embodiment of Notre Dame’s spirit of service and community.
What new projects will you be working on?
In 2025, we’re expanding BeyoND to some new platforms. While I can’t reveal too much just yet, we’re planning to launch a podcast that will spotlight the Link Trail, a dynamic new pathway that symbolizes the connectivity between downtown South Bend and Notre Dame’s campus. This project will explore the stories, people, and innovations that bridge these two vibrant communities, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
What do you like most about working at Notre Dame?
I have had the privilege of working with organizations across the country, but I believe that Notre Dame stands out as a uniquely special place to work. The leadership here truly embodies the “yes, and” mindset, which fosters a culture of empowerment, innovation, and
Collaboration.
In both of my roles at Notre Dame, I have been afforded numerous opportunities for professional advancement, but also personal fulfillment. Beyond my work at the University, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community. I currently serve as vice president of the board for Mental Health Awareness Michiana, and I recently completed a term on the board of advisers for KidsPeace South Bend, a local organization supporting foster children and families in the region.
My time at the University has been incredibly fulfilling, and I know the possibilities for innovation and impact are limitless. In my new role, I look forward to continued collaboration across departments and disciplines. If you have a story to share about impactful partnerships in the region, please reach out!