LANSING, Mich. – October 15, 2018 – The Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M), an alliance of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, today announced the appointment of Amber M. Shinn to the position of program manager.

Shinn will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of strategic initiatives at the RU4M, one of the nation’s most accomplished and respected academic research clusters. The announcement follows the appointment of Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine as RU4M executive director earlier this year.

“We are very pleased to welcome Amber to the RU4M team,” said Affolter-Caine. “Amber’s expertise in communications, experience in the higher education industry, and her extensive network will strengthen our ability to connect with partners, legislators and Michiganders to promote the value of Michigan’s top research institutions and grow our state’s competitive advantage nationwide.”

Shinn brings more than 15 years of results in strategic planning, campaign development and project management. Prior to joining the RU4M, Shinn served as marketing director of the MSU Innovation Center for more than five years. There, she oversaw messaging across four departments and eight initiatives, aligning tech transfer, startups and entrepreneurship, external relations, and media relations. She previously owned and operated Shinn Marketing LLC, developing and executing award-winning creative campaigns for Fortune 500 companies and local, small businesses alike. Shinn was the deputy campaign director of the winning 2008 ‘Cure Michigan’ statewide ballot initiative.

“Michigan’s research universities are powerful engines of innovation and economic growth for our region,” said Shinn. “I look forward to working with the RU4M team and to help promote our RU4M universities.”

Shinn earned her undergraduate degree and her MBA from Michigan State University and was a 2012 recipient of the Lansing Chamber of Commerce’s ‘10 Over the Next Ten’ award.

The RU4M was formed in 2007 to contribute to a more vibrant Michigan economy by leveraging the intellectual capital of its three major research universities, including their educational excellence, their world-competitive research and graduate studies, and their contributions to citizen health and quality of life. For more information, visit www.RU4MMich.org.