Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of University Communications
Steve Givens leads Washington University in St. Louis’ communications team. He is responsible for the planning and implementation of public affairs strategies and programs for local, national and international news initiatives for the Danforth Campus, for external electronic communications, and for internal communications including the print and electronic Record. Prior to being named to this position, he served nine years as assistant to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton, during which time he led the committees for two presidential debates.
A St. Louis native, Givens is an accomplished communicator who has worked in education nearly his entire career. He is the author of five children’s books, numerous religious-education publications, and commentaries and articles that have appeared in local and national publications and NPR. Givens was a consulting writer, composer and performer for two Emmy Award-winning documentaries broadcast nationally on PBS--one on the 1904 World’s Fair and one on the Gateway Arch.
Assistant to the Chancellor; Chancellor’s Liaison to the Gephardt Institute for Public Service
Rob Wild serves as the Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton’s chief of staff, overseeing the administrative functions of the Office of the Chancellor, handling inquiries related to University business, and participating in University initiatives.
Between 1996 and 2006, Rob worked in various roles in the Office of Residential Life at Washington University and the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In this capacity, he worked closely with undergraduate students at both institutions, acting as a supervisor, advisor, and counselor.
Rob is an alum of Teach For America, serving as a middle school science teacher in New York City from 1993 to 1995. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and African & African American Studies from Washington University, a Master of Science Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.