Hope Cobera
Colgate University has appointed Hope Cobera, Chief Communications Officer at The Hotchkiss School, as its Vice President for University Communications. She will take up her new post on July 1.
“Colgate is pursuing multi-year commitments in enrollment, residential life, and academic planning that depend on credibility, clarity of direction, and confidence,” says President Brian W. Casey. “Hope’s background and expertise will help the University communicate these qualities, our intentions, and our accomplishments to the world beyond Hamilton.”
In her current role at Hotchkiss, Cobera serves as the senior executive leading institutional communications, marketing, and reputation management. Her primary role has been bringing the school’s story to life in a way that engages prospective students, inspires donors, and articulates Hotchkiss’s vision. This work has been pivotal in support of the school’s successful $250 million Ever Forward campaign. This year, Hotchkiss was named the #1 private high school in the United States by school search platform Niche.
As adviser to the Hotchkiss head of school, she has participated in institutional AI governance and policy development related to communications, marketing, and enterprise risk. She has also provided leadership for major institutional initiatives, including the 50th anniversary of coeducation, which integrated alumni engagement, philanthropy, campus programming, and more.
Prior to joining Hotchkiss, Cobera worked for two decades in executive communications for iconic businesses, including TIAA and UBS. She shifted into education as an opportunity to move beyond a singular communications focus, embrace the full scope of an institution’s needs and activities, and work alongside those who pursue knowledge as their calling.
“As I was going through the interview process at Colgate, a number of things really stood out for me,” Cobera says. “Primary among these is the clarity and strength of Colgate’s identity: a deep commitment to academic excellence, academic freedom, student access, the impact of athletics, and the beauty of the place. These elements come together to create a residential learning community that is uniquely positioned to prepare students for lives of meaning and consequence.”
The Office of University Communications comprises 22 professionals, who tell the University’s story through a variety of channels, from social media to Colgate Magazine, and who support communications efforts across the institution. This work includes highlighting the early success of the Third-Century Plan. The office is also responsible for the University’s web presence, a duty that Cobera oversaw at Hotchkiss — including a recent comprehensive institutional redesign.
“Given President Casey’s vision, the momentum of the Third-Century Plan, and the tremendous strength of the Campaign for the Third Century, this is an important moment for the University. There is an exciting opportunity to further amplify Colgate’s story,” says Cobera.