Administration
Ian Repp
Director, University Marketing and Communications
About Ian
- Ian enjoys being outdoors, going for long jogs, and spending time with his wife, J.R., and their two boys, Cale and Crosby.
Crystal Verran
Director of Operations
Links of Interest
About Crystal
- She is the first person to contact when you are interested in working with UMC on a project.
- She loves to brainstorm new ideas for publications with clients and enjoys the variety of projects that come through UMC.
- Crystal is a great source when questions arise regarding University Identity Standards.
- A self-described “design nerd,” she finds herself picking up publications from a variety of different places (to read and critique).
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that's given to us."
—J.R.R.Tolkien
—J.R.R.Tolkien
Scott Balyo
Editorial Director
About Scott
- Originally from Mackinaw City. Relocated to Houghton from Cody, Wyoming where he served as the chamber of commerce director.
- Professional experience includes owning his own small-town newspaper along with public relations and marketing roles in tourism, healthcare and economic development.
- Degree in mass communication from Taylor University (Indiana) and a master's in communication and leadership studies from Gonzaga University.
- Interests include downhill skiing, hiking, traveling and spending time with his wife and four boys.
Jennifer Donovan
Director of News and Media Relations
Her Beats
- Administration/Executive Team/Board of Trustees
- Policy and Funding Issues
- Research Centers and Institutes
- International Programs & Services
- Graduate School
About Jenn
- Her specialties include working with local, regional, national and special-interest news media.
- She is skilled at finding and developing University news and research stories and interesting the news media in covering them.
- She maintains the University Experts Guide.
- She is a former newspaper reporter and magazine writer.
- She enjoys reading detective stories and science fiction novels.
"So have your wits about you and dig in."
—Ethel Kennedy
—Ethel Kennedy
Shannon Rinkinen
Brand Manager
Links of Interest
About Shannon
- Infuses on-brand tone and messaging for external communications.
- Manages social media content strategy using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
- Writes and edits high-impact marketing and communications pieces.
"Just Go with It!"
Joel C. Vertin
Digital Services Manager
About Joel
- Leading a web marketing revolution across the University
- Serves on the HighEdWeb Association Membership Committee
- Is a Michigan Tech alumnus from Laurium
- Favorite sports include golf, basketball, and softball
