Director of News and Editorial Communications

Tom Breen

Tom Breen has been at UConn since 2012, serving as a news writer, deputy spokesperson, manager for special projects, UConn Today editor, and, as of January 2021, director of news and editorial communications. Prior to UConn, he worked as a reporter for The Associated Press, covering health care, religion, and state government in West Virginia and North Carolina, and before the AP, he worked at newspapers in Connecticut and Massachusetts. He is the author of two books about Christianity and contemporary culture, and has published short fiction in many periodicals and anthologies. A second-generation Husky, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2000. He is the co-founder of the award-winning UConn 360 podcast and has given presentations on UConn history to community groups throughout Connecticut. He lives in Manchester, is active in volunteer organizations, and recommends that you try the coconut flavor at the Dairy Bar.


Author Archive

A woman kneels in prayer in an empty Catholic cathedral in the Philippines.

Op-Ed: Why People Need Rituals, Especially in Times of Uncertainty

A UConn anthropologist explains the value rituals play in the lives of individuals and societies - especially in times of widespread confusion.

Yuansun (Sonny) Jiang and Prof. Oskar Harmon examine the site Jiang built to track the spread of coronavirus in Connecticut. (UConn Photo)

UConn Student Tracks Pandemic With Data

An MS student at UConn has created a website to track the spread of coronavirus in Connecticut.

The Hill

We Need a ‘Pay Everything’ Policy to Combat Coronavirus Recession

Michael Hernandez, above, addresses a crowd during UConn’s Week of Welcome in Jorgensen Auditorium on August 25, 2019. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)

UConn’s Fifth Newman Civic Fellow Pursues Social Change Through Public Policy

Michael Hernandez ’22 (CLAS) is UConn’s fifth Newman Civic Fellow, honored for his political activism and service to his community.

Wired

The Ibuprofen Debate Reveals the Danger of Covid-19 Rumors

ABC News

Fact Checking Trump’s Claim of ‘Suicide By the Thousands’ If Economic Shutdown Continues

A man in a woman in a farm office pause amidst empty cardboard boxes.

UConn Extension Offers Clearinghouse of Resources on Coronavirus Response

UConn Extension educators have assembled an online collection of resources on COVID-19 for farmers, businesses, and the general public.

Meet the Researcher: Clewiston Challenger, Educational Psychology

Educational psychologist Clewiston Challenger talks about his journey from the gridiron to innovative research about students of color in higher education.

One of UConn's most visible individuals speaks about UConn's journey to this point.

A Message From President Katsouleas on COVID-19

A message from President Katsouleas about how the university is addressing COVID-19.

A sugar bowl next to a baby's bottle

Marketing Makes Dubious Claims About Infant Formula and Toddler Milks

Common marketing claims persuade caregivers that infant formula and toddler milks provide unsupported health benefits for young children, according to UConn's Rudd Center.