Former Atlanta AT&T executive leading College’s Office of Communications and Marketing

Posted January 17, 2017Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Former Atlanta AT&T marketing executive Richard Orr has been announced as Thiel College’s executive director of communications and marketing, effective today.

Orr has more than 30 years of experience in public relations and marketing. His career has included work in education, non-profit and corporate marketing communications. He was senior marketing communications manager for AT&T Entertainment Group in Atlanta. He has guided national direct marketing programs and local advertising and sponsorship initiatives.

Throughout his career, Orr has developed and executed communications plans for a number of companies and brands. Within higher education, he was a member of Ashworth College’s leadership team, developing the school’s public relations and sponsorship program, Vision campaign and 25th anniversary celebration.

He has experience with branding, grassroots marketing, research and analysis, and will be working as a member of the President’s cabinet to establish new market advantages and institutional messaging.

“As Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, Orr will be leading the College’s marketing and branding efforts and will provide the leadership to advance the goals of the strategic plan,” President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., said. “He will work with me, the members of Cabinet, and the Admissions, Advancement and Academic departments to manage the strategic marketing priorities of the College.”

Orr’s work has been recognized by the Philadelphia Direct Marketing Association, Medical Device and Diagnostic Magazine, and Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts Communicator Awards. He was named Faculty of the Year at Missouri Military Academy and has earned professional certifications from the Direct Marketing Association of America, Google and Distance Education Training Council.

Orr is a native of Zionsville, Ind. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Butler University and a master’s degree in business administration from Oglethorpe University.

“I am looking forward to an exciting time for Thiel College,” Orr said. “We have many stories to tell as we consider our history and look to the future. I look forward to showcasing the success of the Thiel 2016 Campaign and developments on campus such as the new science connector and the track and field complex. I will work with President Traverso to strengthen relationships with our faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college and to make the story of Thiel College ever more visible.”

Related Link

Related Story

Office of Admission


About Thiel College

Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.



Thiel College
75 College Ave
Greenville, PA 16125
1-800-248-4435