UChicago’s Harris School of
Public Policy:
Elevating Experts
& Brand
The Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago set out to raise the visibility of its faculty and research in national policy conversations and reinforce its standing as a top-tier public policy institution. Since October 2018, Woodside Park Strategies has partnered with the Harris communications team to craft and implement a media strategy that positions faculty as go-to experts for journalists covering today’s
most pressing issues—translating complex research into compelling, accessible stories and dramatically increasing the school's national media presence.
Through tailored communications guidance, strong content development, and strategic media
outreach, WPS helped Harris grow its media coverage of key faculty by more than 300 percent
over pre-engagement levels—reaching millions of readers, viewers, and listeners across the
country. Our work has helped cement Harris as a vital voice at the intersection of rigorous
research and real-world policy.
Our work with Harris includes a range of strategic efforts that have elevated faculty visibility and
amplified the school’s voice in national policy conversations:
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Seizing the Moment: Positioning faculty as authoritative voices by quickly responding to breaking news and aligning commentary with urgent policy debates.
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Bringing Research to Life: Translating complex research into compelling, accessible stories tailored for national media audiences.
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Expanding Reach: Amplifying high-profile events through press materials, op-eds, and outreach strategies that extend visibility far beyond campus.
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Delivering Impactful Coverage and Expanding Influence: Elevating the school’s reputation and broadening its reach in national conversations by securing placements in top-tier outlets—including the Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, CNBC, CNN, Economist, Ed Week, Foreign Affairs, The Hill, Los Angeles Times, NPR Marketplace, New York Times, Newsweek, Reuters, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and others—expanding its influence through sustained visibility and strategic storytelling.
"WPS has been essential in elevating our faculty's research and voices. Their thoughtful counsel, media savvy, and skill in translating complex scholarship into accessible stories have expanded our visibility—from rapid-response opportunities to long-term profile building, they consistently deliver."
Dave Stone, Senior Communications Director
Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago