< Back to
On Campus
< Back to all News
Mary Barr Named Vice President of Communications & Marketing
June 8, 2011
Mary G. Barr has been named vice president of communications and
marketing at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. She brings
nearly 21 years of experience as a strategic marketer, branding
leader and award-winning creative writer with proven skills in
communications management, marketing and high-level messaging after
serving the past five years as director of marketing at Ball State
University.
Barr will be a member of the president's administrative cabinet,
providing counsel on marketing and communications issues. She
will also oversee management of Rose-Hulman's brand, website, media
relations, publications and social media.
"Mary's expertise in marketing and brand management will bring
new and innovative ideas to Rose-Hulman's communications and
marketing efforts," stated Rose-Hulman President Matt
Branam.
Barr transformed the way Ball State told its story through the
"Education Redefined" tag line roll out and repositioning campaign,
which tightly integrated television, online and print advertising
creative, a re-launched website, prospective student communication,
and other vehicles to key external and internal constituents.
Those marketing and creative plans resulted in a 34 percent
increase in enrollment applications since 2009, and achieved a $200
million Ball State Bold capital campaign goal seven months ahead of
schedule during an economic recession.
Barr led a department of 18 marketing, design and web
professionals at Ball State that created the key brand messages and
related visual brand aesthetic for the university. The Ball
State graduate also served as a communications manager at the
university from 2000-2003.
"I was fortunate to work at Ball State during a transformative
time in its history. My experiences of helping Ball State
successfully differentiate itself from other universities will
serve me well at Rose-Hulman," Barr states. "Clearly,
Rose-Hulman attracts a special brand of highly talented students
and exceptional faculty members. Because I am a person who is
inspired by creativity and people with amazing gifts, I'm looking
forward to help share this remarkable brand of Rose-Hulman stories
and build on an already golden reputation."
Barr's experience also features serving as marketing consultant
for the Community Health Network in Indianapolis (2003-2006), where
she identified strategic opportunities to enhance market presence
for the five hospital network. She also was senior copywriter
for The J. Peterman Company and Paul Harris Stores in Indianapolis
(1999-2000); served as associate editor of Indiana
Business Magazine (1999); was director of communications of
Indianapolis-based Alpha Gamma Delta (1991-98), including being
editor of the fraternity's quarterly magazine; and served as
copywriter and editor for the CS Kern Inc. advertising agency in
Muncie, Ind.