Office of the Chancellor

Higher Learning Commission Board Approves Realignment

March 2018

In a message to campus last month, I outlined details regarding significant changes in our communications and marketing operation as we transition to Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Central to the changes we are implementing is the creation of a senior communications and marketing position with a direct reporting line to the Chancellor. This is a critical juncture for the university, and our external and internal communications and marketing activities must be strategic, refined, and executed at the highest levels of quality.

I’m pleased to announce that Jerry Lewis, a seasoned communications, marketing, and public affairs professional has agreed to serve as Interim Vice Chancellor for Communications and Chief Marketing Officer. Jerry has three decades of experience in higher education, including leading communications and marketing teams at three major universities. I know him well, as we served together for seven years at The University of Texas at Arlington.

Jerry began his assignment here on February 1. He has hit the ground running, and I know many of you have already met him. He is focused on several of our highest priorities including leading our branding engagement with SME (the university’s external branding and marketing partner), developing marketing solutions to help drive increased enrollment, developing a phased communications and marketing plan, increasing our profile and visibility, and assessing our university-wide communications and marketing operations. Our goal is to envision and create a program that is guided by best practices and focused on top priorities that will advance the university’s mission.

Jerry served most recently as Senior Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs at Emory University in Atlanta where he was responsible for branding, communications, marketing, and government and community affairs. Prior to Emory, he served as Vice President for Communications at The University of Texas at Arlington, where he led a talented team that rebranded the university and significantly enhanced enrollments, visibility and reputation, athletics, and community engagement. Prior to UT Arlington, he spent almost two decades at the University of Miami, including serving as Vice President for Communications in charge of branding, communications, marketing, and community relations.

Jerry has been working closely with our senior leadership team, especially Angie Fincannon, Vice Chancellor for Advancement, and Kimberly Wagner, Chief of Staff, to ensure a smooth transition. Kathryn Hopkins, who has served admirably as Interim Director of Marketing, will continue in that role and now reports to Jerry.

Please join me in welcoming Jerry to campus. I am confident you will enjoy working with him!

Sincerely,

Ron Elsenbaumer
Chancellor