July 10, 2008
Safeco executive named Purdue's VP for marketing, media
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - |
Joseph L. Bennett, who has served as vice president for university relations since 1989, is retiring after more than 27 years at Purdue. Thompson will begin her new duties Aug. 11.
"Our national search generated a pool of highly qualified candidates, and Teri's blend of corporate and academic experience really stood out," Blackwelder said. "We are excited to have someone with her background and passion for education leading the effort to tell the world about Purdue's unique strengths in the classroom, the laboratory and in the economy."
President France A. Córdova said: "With Teri's exceptional skills and background, we'll be well positioned to expand Purdue's reputation globally. Our new strategic plan has an emphasis on telling the Purdue story to a broader audience; this will attract worldwide talent and investment."
As vice president for marketing and media, Thompson will oversee the communication of news and information about Purdue to both internal and external audiences in print, photo and video, and via a variety of Internet platforms; branding and advertising; the Purdue Web site; and community partnerships. The university relations area includes the University News Service, Purdue Marketing Communications, University Periodicals, Community Relations and Broadcast Services.
"Purdue is in a wonderful position because so many people already know what this university stands for," Thompson said. "My role is to build on that success and find new ways to give the university a voice that resonates with faculty, staff and students; prospective students and their parents; our alumni; and our stakeholders from Indiana to India and beyond.
"I believe in the transformative power of higher education that Purdue embodies, and this university is filled with people who also are believers. Our job is to take the incredible stories of these Boilermakers and make believers of people around the world."
Thompson has been vice president at Safeco since 2006 and served in a variety of marketing and public relations positions at State Farm Insurance from 1994 to 2006.
From 1986 to 1994, Thompson was a faculty associate and English department chairperson at Illinois State University's University High School. The oldest laboratory school in the United States, University High School serves more than 600 students in grades nine through 12 and each year provides more than 200 college students with clinical experiences.
She earned her bachelor's degree in English and business in 1978 and a master's degree in education in 1987, both from Illinois State.
Thompson founded the Lucie Critical Thinking Award at Illinois State University, which is awarded annually to a student who possesses a passion for learning and strong critical thinking skills. She also is a co-founder and board member of the Marketing to Moms coalition, a resource for marketing professionals, and has spoken at national marketing and industry events as an expert on marketing to women and branding.
Thompson is a member of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Economic Club of Chicago, American Marketing Association and Marketing Communications Executives International.
Her appointment is subject to the approval of the Purdue Board of Trustees.
Sources: Murray Blackwelder, (765) 496-2144; mblackwelder@purdue.edu
Teri Lucie Thompson, (425) 888-9853; teresathompsongosx@msn.com
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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