News release from IPFW:
IPFW URC Staff Assigned New Roles
(May 29, 2013) – Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) Chancellor Vicky L. Carwein is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Wilkins as the chief communications officer for the university. Wilkins will develop and oversee the implementation of a strategic communications plan for the university, be the official university spokesperson, and handle all duties related to the news media.
“Nicole brings more than 15 years of experience in media and public relations to her new role,” said Carwein. “Her talents will allow IPFW to be more proactive and strategic in our communications with key campus constituents.” Wilkins is also looking forward to her new duties. “I am constantly amazed by our campus community. I look forward to telling the world about IPFW’s top-ranked degree programs, world-renowned faculty, and student successes.”
Wilkins is a native of Southern California and received a degree in English from the University of California-Irvine, where she also worked in marketing and communications. During her time there she coordinated major media events for the university for such distinguished guests as the Dalai Lama, while interfacing with national and international
journalists. She has also worked for such organizations as Fox Television Studios, Zimmer, and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. Wilkins assumes her new duties Monday, June 3.It was also announced that Susan Alderman, current media director and marketing specialist in University Relations and Communications (URC), will become the marketing specialist/special projects manager, effective June 3. She will assume the special projects manager duties in September when Louise Teague, who is the current special projects manager, retires.
“Susan’s strength in coordinating campus events and projects will continue to build upon URC’s role in assuring IPFW’s success as an institution,” said Irene Walters, executive director of university relations and communications.
Alderman was a broadcast journalist for 25 years before coming to IPFW in 2002. She has worked in various capacities in television newsrooms in Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Fort Wayne.
Walters also announced Laurel Alberson, who has been a marketing specialist in URC since 2007, will assume the role of lead marketing specialist, effective June 10.