IANR Communications

IANR Communications partners with faculty, staff, and stakeholders to share stories, manage media, and ensure IANR’s message reaches audiences across Nebraska and beyond. Our work is aligned with IANR’s 2024–2028 Strategic Direction and the University of Nebraska System goals.
If you’re wondering who to contact or what support is available, this page is your guide.

• Feature & News Writing
  We write stories highlighting IANR’s people, research, and statewide impact. These stories strengthen IANR’s land-grant mission and raise awareness of our work across Nebraska and beyond.
  Contacts: Russell Shaffer (primary), Geitner Simmons, Natalie Jones
• Brand Strategy & Management
  We provide guidance to keep IANR’s messaging and visuals consistent with UNL and NU System brand standards. This ensures our communications are unified, trusted, and recognizable.
  Contact: Natalie Jones (primary)
• Media Relations & Crisis Communication
  We connect IANR with news outlets across Nebraska and beyond — from daily and weekly newspapers, to radio and TV stations statewide, to industry media at the regional and national level. This includes building and maintaining targeted media lists, distributing news releases, and coordinating interviews. In urgent situations, we also lead crisis communication, ensuring accurate and timely information is shared.
  Contacts: Cara Pesek (primary), Natalie Jones
• Digital & Social Media
  We manage IANR’s digital presence across social media channels, newsletters, and email communications. This includes IANR News Now, the IANR Events email, and other external emails that share stories, spotlights, and event information. Through these channels, we connect with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and stakeholders across Nebraska and beyond.
  Contact: Natalie Jones (primary)
• Events & Campaigns
  We provide communication and promotional support for major events and campaigns, helping showcase IANR’s impact across the state.
  Contacts: Cara Pesek (primary), Jordan Slagle, Natalie Jones
• Web & Content Systems
  We manage IANR websites to ensure they function well, are accessible, and meet UNL standards.
  Contact: Russell Shaffer (primary)
• IANR News & Calendar
  We manage the IANR News website and the IANR Calendar, ensuring stories and events are current, accurate, and aligned with institute priorities. This includes posting and tagging content, updating features, and keeping events visible across the institute and with external partners. Together, these tools serve as the central hub for sharing IANR’s stories and events with faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders.
  Contact: Natalie Jones (primary)
• Visual Assets: Photo & Video
  We capture and produce photography and video that bring IANR’s teaching, research, and Extension work to life.
  Contact: Natalie Jones (primary), Russell Shaffer
• Broadcast Media: RFD-TV & KRVN Radio
  We coordinate weekly and special broadcast segments that highlight IANR’s role in agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities.
  Contacts: Cara Pesek (primary), Natalie Jones