Last week, we were saddened to learn of the death of Dan McConnell, a valued member of the UW Professional & Continuing Education community. He passed away earlier this month at the age of 72.
McConnell was instrumental in developing our PR certificate program, now known as the Certificate in Strategic Communications & Public Relations, in the early 1990s. He taught a number of the certificate courses over the years and guided the program through the industry’s many changes as an influential member of the advisory board.
“Dan was an outstanding instructor and a very giving person,” said Malia Morrison, program management director at UWPCE and manager of the communications and PR certificate program. “He had a big influence on the lives and careers of hundreds of students over the years.”
McConnell had a long and storied career in public relations. He served as a managing director at the worldwide agency DDB Public Relations before starting his own PR firm. During his career, he worked with large companies such as McDonald’s and Microsoft, Seattle institutions like the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass, and other influential clients including the White House and various Olympics organizing committees.
In 2006, he received the Jay Rockey Lifetime Achievement Award from the Puget Sound chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
At the UW, McConnell brought this depth and breadth of experience to the popular PR program. Among his innovations was the creation of a unique, all-day crisis communications simulation for the media relations course, which remains a key element of the program today.
McConnell also used his connections to draw top industry professionals as instructors, guest speakers and mentors. He was highly popular with his students and was recognized in 2013 with the UWPCE Teaching Excellence Award.
“As a principal of a strategic communications firm, I encounter all kinds of communications challenges,” one of his former students wrote. “I can honestly say that I use something I learned in Dan’s class every week with a client; he is a treasure.”
McConnell also served as an adviser to the entire UW Continuum College, the organization that houses UW Professional & Continuing Education. He regularly provided guidance to administrators and staff at all levels.
“Dan was on the committee that helped hire me and was one of the first people to reach out to me once I got here,” said Rovy Branon, vice provost of UW Continuum College. “He was passionate about his field, his students and our mission of continuing education in an ever-changing world. Dan will be missed.”
For anyone who would like to make a gift in Dan's honor, the McConnell family asks that donations go to the UW Department of Communications Discretionary Fund.