Scott Silversten, a communications and marketing leader with nearly three decades of professional experience, has been named the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s chief communication and marketing officer.
The appointment was announced Aug. 3 by Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson. Silversten, who previously served as associate vice president for communications and marketing at Florida Atlantic University, will begin his role Aug. 31.
“Scott brings a proven record of strategic communication leadership and a deep understanding of how effective communication strengthens institutional reputation,” Ankerson said. “His experience, collaborative approach and commitment to innovation will be invaluable as we continue to advance our university priorities and strengthen engagement with audiences across Nebraska and beyond.”
At Nebraska, Silversten will lead the Office of University Communication and Marketing. He will report to Matt Blomstedt, interim vice chancellor for external relations. Silversten also will serve on the chancellor’s Executive Leadership Team. He will oversee integrated communication and marketing efforts, including brand strategy, media relations, executive communications, creative services, digital communications, issues management and marketing initiatives that support university priorities.
Silversten brings extensive higher education communications and marketing leadership experience. Since joining Florida Atlantic University in 2012, he has led universitywide initiatives focused on strengthening institutional reputation, expanding brand awareness and supporting strategic priorities through integrated communication and marketing.
Silversten co-led Florida Atlantic’s visual brand refresh, developed new brand positioning and strategic messaging as part of FAU’s marketing and advertising campaigns, and reorganized communications, marketing, creative services, media relations and trademark licensing functions into a unified Office of University Communications. He also directed the university’s strategic communications response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to communications leadership responsibilities, Silversten managed a $9 million division budget and led a team of professionals working in marketing, creative services, video production and web development. He served as a communications adviser to senior leadership and participated in university-wide initiatives and committees related to strategic planning, enrollment, student success, and other institutional priorities.
“I am honored to join the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and grateful for the opportunity to lead a talented team of communications and marketing professionals,” Silversten said. “The expertise and commitment of the UComm team are essential to supporting the university’s mission. I look forward to listening, learning and collaborating with the team and campus partners to advance Nebraska’s priorities.”
Before joining Florida Atlantic, Silversten served as director of communications and marketing at SUNY Cobleskill. In the role, he led institutional branding, marketing, public relations and website initiatives. He also held a communications leadership position at Manhattan College (now Manhattan University) and began his career as a sports journalist, primarily covering college athletics, at ESPN SportsTicker.
Silversten takes over for Jeff Sheldon, who has served as the interim executive director of University Communication and Marketing since January. Sheldon returns to the Nebraska Alumni Association as associate executive director of marketing and business relations.
“Jeff has provided exceptional leadership over the past seven months, and I am deeply grateful for his willingness to take on this role,” Ankerson said. “His commitment to our university, the Office of University Communication and Marketing, and his colleagues has been evident throughout his service. I have been especially thankful for his steady leadership and thoughtful approach during this interim period.”
Blomstedt, who also serves as associate vice president for government relations for the University of Nebraska system, will lead UComm until Silversten begins the new role on Aug. 31.
Silversten earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Syracuse University, a master’s degree in publishing from New York University and a certificate in radio and television broadcasting from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting.
The appointment follows a national search that included three finalists. The search was led by Jordan Gonzales, chief of staff to the chancellor.
