January 21, 2010 – Dr. Bill Ellis, Howard Payne University president, recently announced the creation a new division to meet the university’s marketing and communications needs. The Office of University Marketing and Communications will develop and manage a wide range of programs designed to more effectively present the university’s image and objectives. The division will become effective February 1, 2010.
Among the initiatives to be overseen by the new division are integrated marketing, branding, strategic communication, and media and public relations, as well as an array of publications and special events.
“In the past, HPU’s marketing and communications efforts have been handled through various offices across the campus, depending on immediate needs and available funding,” said Dr. Ellis. “By centralizing and coordinating our marketing and branding efforts into a new, specially designed division, I believe we will be much better positioned to promote effectively and efficiently the university’s mission and message. I’m excited about our new Office of University Marketing and Communications and look forward to working closely with this team as we spread the good news about what’s happening at HPU.”
Through the creation of the new division, four HPU personnel will receive promotions. Louise Sharp, currently chief development officer, will lead the division as chief marketing officer and associate vice president for marketing and communications, as well as special assistant to the president. Kyle Mize, director of publications, will serve as assistant vice president for communications. Kalie Lowrie, alumni and media relations assistant, will join the division as director of media relations. Kathy James, office manager for the Office of University Advancement, will support the team as special events coordinator and executive assistant to the chief marketing officer. The new division’s offices will be located on the first floor of HPU’s Packer Administration Building.
Long-term plans for the division include the creation of additional staff positions to further support the university’s marketing efforts.
Sharp has a wealth of marketing and public relations experience, having served in lead roles in corporate communications prior to her joining HPU’s Office of University Advancement in 1994. At HPU, she has worked with the university’s marketing initiatives and has led HPU’s development efforts for the past 9 years. She was instrumental in the planning, implementation and successful completion of the $25 million Sharing the Vision Capital Campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in HPU history.
Mize joined HPU’s Office of University Advancement in 1996, after four years as an advertising art director in Fort Worth. His graphic design and writing have received more than 40 honors from organizations, publications and competitions such as the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (District IV), Baptist Communicators Association, Higher Ed Marketing Report, Rockport Publishers’ Designer Posters, the Tenth District of the American Advertising Federation and American Advertising Federation – Fort Worth.
Lowrie, a 2006 graduate of HPU’s Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom honors program, began working for the Office of Alumni Relations during her junior year. She joined the staff as a full-time member upon graduation. She has worked for the alumni office as well as the Office of Enrollment Services, gaining a wide range of experience in media relations, public relations, photography and website development. Additionally, while a student at HPU, she held internships for U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Texas State Senator Kel Seliger.
James joined the Office of University Advancement in 2000. In her role as the division’s office manager, she has provided support for the university’s development activities including special events, recordkeeping, supply and inventory control and more. Additionally, she has worked closely with the chief development officer on matters regarding HPU’s Board of Trustees and the President’s Development Council. She also has lengthy experience working for the Brownwood Independent School District.
University administration is formulating plans to cover the development-related responsibilities of personnel moving to the new division.
