New VP for Marketing and Communications Named

President Ken Gormley has announced that Gabriel Welsch has been selected to serve as vice president for marketing and communications, a newly created position at the University. Welsch, who will report to the president, begins his role on March 18.

“This new, key vice-presidential position was created in response to the dynamic growth taking place at Duquesne and the importance of marketing and communications in all forms in ensuring the continued growth of the University,” Gormley said. “We look forward to welcoming Gabe to campus.”

Welsch is vice president of strategic communication and marketing at Juniata College. He previously served there as interim vice president of enrollment management and vice president of advancement and marketing. Prior to that, Welsch held various marketing and communication posts and taught English at Penn State University.

“I have long known Duquesne to be well respected in Pennsylvania and beyond and appreciate very much the chance to help build the University’s reputation in this new role,” said Welsch. “The University’s focus on service to others is particularly resonant. I look forward to working with a wide array of constituents to amplify the good work done on the Bluff and around the world by Duquesne’s faculty, staff, alumni and students.”

A member of Juniata’s senior leadership team, Welsch oversees marketing, branding and communications, digital and emerging media, and public relations. He also is responsible for writing and developing Juniata’s presidential communications. Welsch led the school’s comprehensive brand study and tools development; co-chaired the inauguration team and chaired the transition team for the school’s current president; and managed the team that revamped the editorial and design of Juniata Magazine.

A member of various professional organizations, Welsch is president of the board of directors of College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals (CUPRAP) and is a Communications Advisory Committee member for the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Pennsylvania. He regularly presents at conferences on marketing and fundraising, and is the author of four books and more than 250 published stories, poems, essays and articles.

Welsch received a bachelor’s degree in English in 1993 and a Master of Fine Arts in English 1998 from Penn State University. He also received a certificate in 2011 from the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.