(DePaul University/Jamie Moncrief)
In recent weeks, we completed a review of key communication and analytics functions and identified steps that would strengthen these efforts.
As a result, effective this month, Institutional Research & Market Analytics, led by Liz Sanders, associate vice president, will report directly to Interim Provost Salma Ghanem. While IRMA has always reported to Academic Affairs through Enrollment Management and Marketing, a direct line to the provost will facilitate more academic data-driven decisions in areas including student success, academic program review and prioritization, and new program development.
Also, effective Sept. 17, 2019, DePaul’s marketing team joined communicators in the Office of Public Relations and Communications. The consolidated University Marketing and Communications division will be led by Linda Blakley. Centralizing university brand communications will allow us to leverage integrated marketing campaigns to deliver consistent messaging through all channels.
In addition, a combined effort will complement and extend brand campaigns that drive awareness and understanding of what sets DePaul University apart as a Catholic, Vincentian and urban institution.
Our marketing staff, led by associate vice president Sarah Partin, will continue to support the important work of enrollment management; work with colleges and departments, Advancement and Athletics to evaluate brand and recruitment goals; and will work with PR to develop campaigns and manage integrated PR, advertising, print, email and social media projects.
These moves also allow for a focus on the core business with which Enrollment Management is tasked: enrolling the right number and mix of students to achieve the university’s mission, academic and business objectives.
Our goal is to build on the excellent work by these teams and to take DePaul to the next level. I am confident these shifts in our communication and analytics functions will strengthen our university, and I am grateful for the continued dedication of all our faculty and staff as we navigate these transitions.