Heather Robbins

As director of communications, Heather Robbins oversees the strategic direction of the Penn State Eberly College of Science by creating and executing marketing and public relations communications strategies and functions that focus on building Eberly’s brand and reputation. She leads a talented communications team in identifying compelling stories that align with both the college’s and University’s strategic plans and fundraising campaigns.

Prior to joining the Eberly College of Science, Robbins managed Penn State's national media strategy for almost seven years in the University's Office of Strategic Communications. She has experience in media relations, science writing, strategic planning, issues and crisis communications, internal communications and social media management. For nearly a decade, Robbins has also served as an adjunct lecturer in the Penn State Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, teaching public relations methods as well as editing and introductory journalism and communications courses.

Robbins began her career in journalism at the Centre Daily Times in State College, Pa., and joined Penn State in 2013 as a writer/editor in the University's News and Media Relations office. She also directed a high school digital journalism summer camp in the Bellisario college for eight years.

Her honors include being recognized by Penn State's strategic communications office with two employee achievement awards, as well as several awards and honors from industry associations, including the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association's Keystone Press Award and Press Club of Western Pennsylvania’s Golden Quill Award. A three-time Penn State graduate, Robbins has a masters in media studies -- where she focused on science communication for her thesis -- and bachelors degrees in journalism and international relations.