Nicole Vowell
Nicole Vowell was appointed Director of Communications for the Utah Department of Corrections in March 2026, following her role as Deputy Director of Organizational Communications and Engagement.
The Department has long recognized the importance of strong, intentional communication, not just to inform, but to align people, strengthen trust, and advance the departments mission, vision, and values. As Director, Nicole leads this effort, shaping how UDC connects as an organization and ensuring our communications reflect the priorities that drive our work forward.
Vowell brings a unique combination of real-world experience and academic expertise in communications and public administration. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Wayne State University, and earned her Master of Public Administration through the Executive Program at the University of Utah.
Her professional background includes nearly a decade in television news as a general assignment and investigative reporter with experience in local markets across the country, including KSL-TV. She also served as a national correspondent in Washington, D.C., covering politics at the highest levels. Throughout her journalism career, she earned multiple honors, including five Rocky Mountain Regional Emmy Awards and a Walter Cronkite Award.
Prior to joining the Department, Nicole served as Associate Director of Internal Communications and Engagement at University of Utah Health, where she helped lead communication strategy for a workforce of more than 27,000 employees across 16 facilities. Her work focused on building clear, consistent messaging, strengthening employee engagement, and ensuring leadership priorities were communicated effectively across a large, complex organization.
Vowell is known for her impactful storytelling, and ability to translate complex issues into clear, meaningful, and actionable communication. In her role as Director, she is focused on strengthening transparency, building alignment, and fostering a culture of connection across the Department and with the public.