The department of University Relations was a part of the initial founding of the University when it was Sangamon State University (SSU). This department dealt not only with contact between the staff, faculty, and students but also with the outside community. They issued press releases, news, media relations, and alumni relations. Currently at UIS, these are handled by a variety of different departments.

Philip C. Bradley, Jr. was born April 29, 1944, to Philip C. and Branches (Platt) Bradley in Springfield, Illinois. Philip was part of the first class of graduates from Sangamon State University, where he graduated in 1972 and was the first student commencement speaker. He was then hired as the Alumni Director were he worked until 1977. In addition, he also taught 6th grade at Little Lower Elementary and would later become the Director for the Illinois Department of Public Aid and the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services. In 1996, he became the president and CEO of Family Health Network in Chicago, Illinois.

He married Sylvia Sorrill on August 24, 1974, and they had two daughters. He was an active member of the Springfield community by participating in the Westminster Presbyterian Church and as a trustee for Lincoln Land Community College. He passed away June 27, 2016, in Chatham, Illinois.