Lauren Roberts Named Director of Marketing and Communications at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has announced the appointment of Lauren Roberts as director of marketing and communications, effective February 1. Roberts steps into the role following the retirement of Len Johnson, who served in the position for more than a decade.
Roberts brings a decade of experience within the college to her new leadership role. She first joined the institution as lead editor and science writer and has since played a key part in shaping its storytelling, publications, and digital strategy.
During her tenure, Roberts helped guide several major initiatives, including editing Scopes magazine, launching the Cornell Veterinary Podcast series and the Cornell Veterinary Bulletin, and transitioning core publications to fully digital formats. She also developed “The Consult,” a multimedia feature highlighting alumni stories and conversations, and led efforts to strengthen the college’s web presence by establishing a dedicated webmaster role and enhancing overall user experience and governance.
In her new position, Roberts will oversee the college’s marketing and communications strategy, building on the foundation laid by her predecessor while continuing to expand how the college connects with students, alumni, and the broader veterinary community.
A Cornell biology graduate, Roberts also holds a master’s degree in science journalism from Boston University. Before joining the college, she worked in news reporting, grant management, and science writing — experience that continues to shape her approach to communicating complex scientific and medical topics.
College leadership praised her collaborative style and creative vision, noting her ability to elevate the college’s voice and bring teams together around shared goals.
The transition also marks the retirement of Len Johnson, who helped advance the college’s strategic communications efforts over his years of service. College leadership expressed appreciation for his contributions and the strong foundation he leaves behind.
As she steps into the role, Roberts plans to build on the department’s momentum while finding new ways to share the stories, research, and impact of the veterinary community.
