Published: Jan. 22, 2002

The University of Colorado at Boulder has contracted with Earl McLaughlin, president of Boulder Tomorrow, to work as a community relations consultant on a special project designed to study university/community dialogue on issues of mutual concern.

McLaughlin will serve as an arm of the Community Advisory Committee on a six-month assignment. He is charged with helping the campus gather information about community concerns, issues and perceptions and assessing the flow of information to citizens about university activities.

McLaughlin is president of Boulder Tomorrow, a not-for-profit organization of business and community leaders, and a retired senior executive of Public Service Co. of Colorado, now Xcel Energy.

"The university wanted somebody who is not part of the campus to work with us and our community advisory committee on citizen perception, and ways we can improve our flow of information to Boulder's various communities," said Bobbi Barrow, executive director of university communications. "This will be a very positive information gathering and listening effort, and we hope to use the information to a constructive end within the Boulder/university community."

Barrow said the university is very pleased to find someone with McLaughlin's qualifications and commitment to provide the consulting service. The contract fee is $25,000, effective Jan. 21.

McLaughlin can be reached at macboulder@msn.com or at (303) 735-5061.