David Johnson assumes additional role as chief marketing officer

The Purdue Fort Wayne Office of Communications and Marketing has made significant strides since being established as a standalone unit reporting to the chancellor during the university’s 2018 realignment to operate solely as a regional campus within the Purdue University system. 

Despite the challenges and time-consuming impact of crisis communications related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Communications and Marketing team has made remarkable progress on a number of fronts. 

The team’s priorities have been to embrace and advance the university’s new Purdue Fort Wayne identity, focus intently on new marketing strategies for student recruitment, develop a sophisticated digital online and advertising presence, and leverage integration of communications and marketing activities whenever possible. One of the most dramatic advances has been the initial launch of an enhanced website presence during the past six months, including new websites for all colleges and schools, as well as new central resources. 

Central to this success is the leadership, expertise, and collaboration brought to the team and to the university by David Johnson, associate vice chancellor for communications and marketing. Johnson will now take on the additional title of chief marketing officer as a reflection of the ongoing effort he helps manage, the integrated brand presence that has been accomplished across the university and beyond, and the critical communications and marketing work ahead.

“David is a seasoned marketing professional with a well-established, award-winning track record of transforming higher ed communications and marketing programs,” says Jerry Lewis, vice chancellor for communications and marketing. “He is a strategic, creative problem-solver. The chief marketing officer title recognizes, formalizes, and enhances the role that he is already playing in aligning and coordinating communications and marketing strategies to support university priorities.”

With the new title of associate vice chancellor for communications and marketing and chief marketing officer, Johnson will enhance and support brand and marketing strategies across the institution with a goal of integrating and elevating key aspects of communications, marketing, and branding. He will focus on processes and systems with an eye toward developing long-range goals and plans, aligning programs and efficiencies that best leverage the university’s resources, and ensuring more sustainable programs and products that help drive revenue and reputation. 

“This is a great opportunity for all of us to continue our progress and create new platforms, products, and channels to tell Purdue Fort Wayne’s amazing story,” says Johnson. “We have made tremendous progress, but there is so much more we can do to support and advance the university’s mission through a more rigorous, data-driven communications and marketing program.”

Johnson joined Purdue Fort Wayne in July 2019, having led similar marketing programs at the University of Richmond, Emory University, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of Miami. He earned his B.F.A. in communication arts and design from the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University.