Janet M. Botz

The career of Janet M. Botz, a distinguished alumna of Saginaw Valley State University, illustrates the unique potential of a liberal arts degree to prepare students for success in business. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and English at SVSU, she worked for The Saginaw News as a reporter and editor before joining the Dow Corning Corporation in 1980, where she served in a number of key managerial positions during her 29 years with the company. As Chief Communications Officer, she provided strategic counsel to executive management and was responsible for government and community relations; corporate branding; employee and management communications; corporate contributions; and risk, issue and crisis communications.

In 2008, she was named Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications at the University of Notre Dame, where she directed the institution’s marketing and communications activities with multiple internal and external audiences. She led the development of a comprehensive positioning and branding program, developed government and community relations programs, and worked with multiple departments in creating a new vision, mission, and strategic plan. Beginning in 2012 she established her own communications consulting firm. Ms. Botz is also presently a member of the SVSU Foundation Board of Directors.

Ms. Botz strongly believes in the importance of the liberal arts and, as evidenced by her own career and accomplishments, understands their value in preparing students for advancement in business, industry, and other personal and professional endeavors. To encourage and support career exploration and preparation for students pursuing these educational objectives, she has established this endowment fund to build relationships among executives, students, and faculty.