FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. (July 3, 2025) – Thomas More University proudly announces the establishment of the Office of Community and Government Relations. The establishment of this office ensures the University’s clear and consistent presence in critical conversations happening on local, state and federal levels impacting higher education. Courtney Kleier has been named director of this office, effective immediately.

“In this rapidly changing environment, private universities are no longer able to be passive observers. Instead, we must be increasingly intentional about how we engage with the broader community, government agencies, and strategic partners,” says Thomas More University President Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D. “The creation of this office builds on Thomas More’s strategic investment in the OneNKY Center – giving Thomas More a direct and daily connection to many of the region’s most influential organizations, including local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and nonprofit and advocacy groups.”

As director, Kleier will lead outreach to and engagement with elected officials and government entities at the local, state, and federal levels to advocate for the University. Her work will also build and strengthen the University’s partnerships with businesses, schools and other organizations in the Greater Cincinnati community.

Kleier has served Thomas More as director of alumni engagement and annual giving since 2022. Previously, she worked as the public affairs specialist for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Kleier is an alumna of Thomas More with degrees in English, history and international studies. She earned a Master of Arts in international commerce and diplomacy from the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky.

“As an alumna, I care deeply about the perception of Thomas More within the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area,” Kleier says. “In the last few years, I have observed how critical it is to have the University consistently represented in key spaces where decisions are made, connections are forged, and ideas are shared to move our region forward. The creation of this position will ensure that Thomas More is at the table and that our institution and our graduates are being recognized as part of the solution to the challenges that our community leaders are tackling today and tomorrow. I enjoy this work and can’t wait to get started.” 

About Thomas More University

Founded in 1921, Thomas More University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, challenging students to Make It More. Deeply rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, this timeless foundation supports a transformative educational experience as students looking to Be More are guided in the pursuit of knowledge, ethical leadership, and the integration of faith and reason. Through the high-quality, liberal arts education provided at Thomas More, students examine the ultimate meaning of life, their place in the world, and their responsibility to others which leads to the ability to think critically and contribute meaningfully to the world. Serving more than 2,300 students, Thomas More takes its place as the premier Catholic university in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region, being named one of the 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal. For more, visit thomasmore.edu.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Kristen Gallagher, APR, director of communications & PR, [email protected], 859-344-3309