The University of Central Arkansas said Thursday that it has hired KATV-TV, Channel 7, anchor Christina Munoz as its associate vice president for communications, public relations and marketing.
In a news release, UCA President Tom Courtway said the hire brings "instant credibility and experience" to the university's communication efforts.
"She is trusted and respected by her peers and widely recognized as one of the best communicators of our time," Courtway said. "Her professionalism, expertise and reputation are unmatched in the communications field."
Munoz confirmed the new job to Arkansas Business but said she could not comment further. In its news release, UCA referred to Munoz by using her married name, Madsen, and did not identify the ABC affiliate where she currently works.
Munoz anchors KATV's 6 and 10 p.m. weekday newscasts.
"My career has given me the opportunity to tell stories to Arkansans for more than a decade. That experience was an opportunity that I will cherish forever," Munoz said in the UCA news release. "UCA students, faculty and staff are thriving. It’s an exciting time in the university’s history, and I can’t wait to help tell its story to the next generation of Arkansans."
The news release didn't say when Munoz would begin her duties at UCA. It said Munoz, her husband and their children plan to "transition" to Conway "this spring."
Munoz, originally from Yankton, S.D., graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and began her career in Duluth, Minn., as a reporter before moving to Arkansas in 2003. She has been the president and member of the Board of Ballet Arkansas, and was an honorary board member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in Arkansas.
"I am so excited about this new chapter in my life and so thankful for the opportunity to join UCA," she said in the news release. "This position will allow me to fulfill my role as a mother to my two daughters while still providing for my family."
KATV is owned by Allbritton Communications Co. of Arlington, Va. It is among the stable of ABC affiliates Allbritton is selling to Sinclair Broadcast Group of Hunt Valley, Md. The deal, announced last year, is awaiting regulatory approval.
