June 27, 2003

Contact: Lynn Bretz, University Relations, (785) 864-8866.

Hispanic magazine names KU official as 'Latina You Should Know'

LAWRENCE -- Janet Murguia, executive vice chancellor for university relations at the University of Kansas, has been named to Hispanic magazine's list of "100 Latinas You Should Know."

Murguia, a former senior White House aide, joins many well-known entertainers, political professionals and business professionals on the list. Released annually, the list accompanies the magazine's feature on leading Latinas, "women deemed for special recognition because of their contribution to their field."

The magazine's Leading Latinas for 2003 range from singers Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera, and actresses Cameron Diaz and Salma Hayek, to U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. María I. Cribbs, atronaut Ellen Ochoa, motivational speaker and author Yasmin Davidds, Director of Specialty Media for the White House Office of Media Affairs Mercedes M. Viana, and singer-actress Thalía.

Murguia has been recognized by several other important Hispanic organizations. In May 2002, Murguia was elected to the board of directors for La Raza, the nation's leading Hispanic advocacy organization. In October 2002, Murguia was named to Hispanic Business magazine's list of the nation's "100 Most Influential Hispanics." She also was featured as one of "Four Latinas Making a Difference" in the March issue of Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine.

A native of the Argentine section of Kansas City, Kan., Murguia earned three degrees from KU: a juris doctorate from the law school in 1985 and bachelor's degrees in journalism and Spanish in 1982. Murguia oversees the university's internal and external relations with the public, including governmental and public affairs. She is responsible for KU's public relations offices on its various campuses, the public radio station, visitor services and special events, and the trademark licensing office. She also coordinates the university's strategic planning and marketing efforts with those of the KU Alumni Association and the KU Athletics Corp. and works closely with the KU Endowment Association.

Before coming to KU in 2001, Murguia served as deputy campaign manager and director of constituency outreach for the Gore/Lieberman presidential campaign. Before the campaign, she worked at the White House in various capacities beginning in 1994.