Following a nationwide search, Bowdoin College has named Martin Mbugua its new senior vice president for communications and public affairs.
Mbugua, who will join Bowdoin on August 1, 2025, comes to Bowdoin from New York University Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, where he has been associate vice chancellor since March 2021.
In that role, Mbugua led the Office of External Relations and Communications in developing, shaping, and overseeing communications, connection, and engagement within and beyond campus in service of promoting and protecting the university’s reputation.
“Martin brings deep experience in public and media relations, crisis communication, strategic planning, and community engagement, along with a strong record of leading collaborative, proactive, and agile teams,” said Bowdoin College President Safa Zaki.
“The work of the Office of Communications and Public Affairs is central to how we share Bowdoin’s story. I look forward to the work we will do together.”
At Bowdoin, Mbugua will lead the Office of Communications and Public Affairs, managing a sixteen-member staff and serving as a member of Bowdoin’s senior leadership team supporting the College’s priorities.
Reporting directly to President Zaki, Mbugua will be a key leader in strategies relating to strengthening Bowdoin’s reputation, heralding the College’s initiatives and achievements, and navigating the unforeseen.
“I have a deep appreciation for Bowdoin’s strong sense of community, inclusivity, and equity,” said Mbugua. “The pursuit of the common good through service and a transformative liberal arts education are values that align with my professional and personal principles.”
Mbugua previously led the Office of Communications and Marketing at Skidmore College and also worked at Carnegie Mellon University and Princeton University, managing public and media relations at those institutions.
Mbugua earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master of arts in government at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, and his MBA at the University of Delaware. He succeeds Scott Hood, who is retiring this summer after nearly thirty-six years of service to the College.
