The Office of University Relations represents the University of Vermont in numerous state venues, including state agencies, public and private organizations, and the Vermont legislature.  In addition, the office:

 
  • Works closely with the President and Provost and other senior academic and administrative officers to educate the citizens and leaders of Vermont about the priorities, programs, resources, and needs of the University
  • Serves as a key contact point for communications between the University and state leaders
  • Manages a comprehensive process to monitor and influence state legislative and regulatory activity and executive policies affecting higher education and the University of Vermont
  • Coordinates the University's participation on the Commission on Higher Education Funding and other state committees and councils important to the University Community

 

Wendy Koenig

Wendy Koenig, Executive Director of Government Relations
Wendy.Koenig@uvm.edu, 802-656-5690

Wendy Koenig has a broad range of experience relating to higher education, politics, and business. She joined UVM in 2008, and currently serves as Executive Director of Government Relations, advancing the strategic imperatives of the university through engagement of external stakeholders in federal, state, and local government.

Wendy partners with university leadership to develop and execute UVM’s legislative strategies and provides counsel on state and federal policy decisions and initiatives that impact UVM. Wendy began her career in Washington, DC, working for a grassroots lobbying firm on defense appropriations issues. Over the course of her career, she has worked for a higher education search and consulting firm, opened a flag-ship office for a new media company in New York City, and led the Association of Vermont Independent Colleges.

During her two decades in Vermont, Wendy has served on several non-profit boards including The Girl Scout Council of Vermont and The Vermont Teacher Diversity Scholarship Program. She is currently Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Sterling College in Craftsbury, Vermont.

Wendy earned a bachelor’s degree at Georgetown University and a J.D. at The Catholic University of America.