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 photo illustration showing a packet of supplements containing the substance kratom, along with a bottle of pills that contain it.

The Kratom Controversy: Nearly 2 Million Americans Are Using a Substance Banned in Multiple States

The FDA says kratom is addictive and warns against its use, while it can be found online and in smoke shops and gas stations

A young man in bed at night, his face illuminated by the glow of the cell phone he holds in his hands.

AI ‘Companions’ Promise to Combat Loneliness, but History Shows the Danger of One-Way Relationships

As the pandemic showed, technology alone is not sufficient to address the complexities of public health

Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound Commander Captain Elisa M. Garrity pins a medal to John Genther’s lapel in honor of his heroic act on Nov. 6.

After First Aid Training Hosted by CT Sea Grant at UConn Avery Point, Fisherman Makes Dramatic Rescue

'You saved someone's life. It's a big deal'

Financial Times

Live Music and the Rise of the ‘Enormodome’

A doctor in a white lab coat speaks with a patient in her office.

Rudd Center Launches ‘Supportive Obesity Care’ Website

Resource is designed to help clinicians provide supportive care to patients of all body sizes

Four bottles of a dietary supplement containing the potentially dangerous ingredient tianeptine.

Known as ‘Gas Station Heroin,’ Tianeptine is Being Sold as a Dietary Supplement – with Deadly Outcomes

The synthetic drug has been linked to addiction, seizures, kidney damage, and death

Back view of older student raising his hand to answer teacher's question during class.

7 Strategies to Help Gifted Students with Autism Succeed in College

Nationally, only 39% of students with autism who start college finish; here are strategies to get that number higher

CT Mirror

For Progress, Get CT Lawmakers and Researchers in the Same Room

New York Times

Why I Welcome New York City’s Congestion Pricing Plan

Mark and Betsy (Reddington) Vergnano at the UConn Foundation Board Social at the Alumni Center Great Hall in Storrs.

Vergnano Endowed Chair for Inclusion Established at the College of Engineering

The Chair, which will contribute to the impact of the Vergnano Institute for Inclusion, is supported by the latest philanthropic contribution from UConn Alumni Mark and Betsy (Reddington) Vergnano