Topic: Administrative
January 31, 2007
Three veteran marketing and communications professionals have joined Ball State.
Tony Proudfoot is the new associate vice president for University Marketing and Communications, replacing Heather Shupp, who became Michigan State University's assistant vice president for university relations and director of public relations in October.
"I am honored and excited to return to serve my alma mater, where I had a wonderful experience as a student," said Proudfoot, who joined Ball State in early January. "Extraordinary things are happening here today, and I look forward to playing a leadership role in raising the profile of the university to ensure the broadest possible awareness of Ball State's distinctiveness and excellence."
Proudfoot is an 11-year veteran of Indiana University, where he most recently served as the chief of staff of the university-wide marketing office and as the manager of marketing research.
"Tony has proven success in building strong university brands, strategic planning and marketing research," Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora said of Proudfoot's efforts, which focused on all eight IU campuses. "His analytical skills and intimate knowledge of the higher education market in Indiana will be real assets in our effort to distinguish Ball State University across the state and the nation."
Joining Proudfoot is Mary Barr, who became Ball State's new director of marketing communications on Nov. 1. In the newly created position, Barr is responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing communications plans for the university.
Barr, an award-winning writer, graduated from Ball State in 1987. She worked for three years as a communications manager for Ball State before joining Community Health Network in 2003. There, she was a marketing consultant for the not-for-profit health system including the three community hospitals in Indianapolis, and she specialized in creating integrated, research-driven strategic marketing and communications plans.
"I am thrilled to be using all the skills I've acquired in my career in marketing to promote something I believe in so personally — and that is Ball State," she said. "I am also excited about working with an amazingly creative and talented team."
On Feb. 19, Kevin Burke will join the department as the director of university communications. Burke, an award-winning communications professional, replaces Glenn Augustine, who became the communications manager for the Indiana Youth Institute in December.
Since 2003, Burke has been the director of media relations at Earlham College in Richmond, Ind., where he was responsible for all media communications. Before joining Earlham, Burke was director of television productions at the University of Notre Dame for 10 years. He earned his bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University.
"Having worked in media relations at nearby Earlham College, I know there is a real sense in the higher education community of Ball State as an institution on the move," Burke said. "With a burgeoning campus and Ball State's growing reputation for scholarship, research and student performance in so many disciplines, it's exciting to think about having a part in telling the university's story in the years ahead."
Tom Taylor, Ball State's vice president for enrollment, marketing, and communications, said he is looking forward to working with Proudfoot, Barr and Burke, who bring complementary strengths to Ball State.
"We are fortunate to have attracted such talented and experienced staff," Taylor said. "Mary's marketing experience at Community Health builds on her prior work here at Ball State. Tony brings strong research experience as well as extensive experience in higher education across Indiana. And Kevin's media relations experience at Notre Dame, at Earlham and with national media covering higher education gives us further breadth."