After more than 30 years as a member of the media relations department at JMU, Fred Hilton will move from his position to serve as special assistant to the senior vice president of university advancement.

In his new position, Hilton will lead the planning and implementation of JMU’s centennial celebration in 2008, according to Media Relations. Hilton’s last role in the media relations department was as director of university communications.

"I’m very excited — a centennial is an extremely important occasion for any institution," Hilton said. "I’ve worked here for a good bit of [those 100 years]."

Events focus on the progressive changes in residence life, athletics and the performing arts.

Hilton’s role as university spokesman and chief public information officer will be assumed by Andy Perrine (’86), former associate vice president for communications and marketing, according to Media Relations.

"It’s going to be a challenge filling the shoes of such an institution as Fred Hilton," Perrine said. Perrine officially begins his role as university spokesman today.

Perrine formerly served as AVP for communications and marketing.