Appointment of Vice President for Communications and Marketing

July 11, 2025

Dear Pitzer Community,

I’m pleased to share that, following a national search, I have appointed Tricia Milford-Hoyt as Vice President for Communications and Marketing, effective July 28.

Tricia brings over 20 years of leadership experience across higher education, nonprofits, and Fortune 50 companies. Most recently, she served as Vice President for Strategic Marketing and Communications at The University of Tulsa, where she led a rebranding and digital outreach campaign that helped increase enrollment and the profile of the university. She has consistently built strong teams, led major digital initiatives, and elevated messaging to deepen engagement with students, alumni, donors, and others. Tricia holds a master’s degree in mass communications from Louisiana State University and a bachelor’s in communications from Kent State University.

This is a pivotal time for Pitzer, and for higher education more broadly. As our sector faces questions about value and rising competition and as we move forward with finalizing and implementing our new strategic vision in the fall, Tricia’s marketing, communications, and leadership skills will enhance the Pitzer story and how we tell it: clearly, creatively, and compellingly.

Pitzer’s mission, values, and distinctiveness draw Tricia to Pitzer. As she notes, “Pitzer stands out for its deep commitment to justice, sustainability, and intercultural understanding—and the world needs that kind of leadership now more than ever. You see Pitzer’s impact in its alumni, its faculty, and its role within the Claremont Colleges. This is a moment when higher education must lead with purpose and clarity, and I’m honored to help Pitzer do just that.”

I am grateful to everyone who participated in this successful search, especially our Communications team, senior staff, FEC members, trustees, and Human Resources. I also want to express deep appreciation to Stephanie Estrada and Nick Owchar for their outstanding interim leadership, and to Jim Marchant for his support for the team.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Tricia Milford-Hoyt to the Pitzer community. I know she’s eager to connect and collaborate with you.

Provida Futuri,

Strom C. Thacker
President