Purdue's Thompson to move to University of Arizona

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A Purdue administrator has taken a new position as senior vice president for university relations at the University of Arizona.

Teri Thompson, who has been Purdue’s chief marketing officer since August 2008, will continue at Purdue as vice president for marketing and media through April 19.

"Teri has clearly done fine work advancing Purdue’s reputation and sense of closer connection with students, potential students and all the members of the extended Purdue family," Purdue President Mitch Daniels said. "We know she’ll succeed equally well at her new university and wish her all the best as she does."

Daniels mentioned other announcements about future structure and leadership of Purdue’s marketing and media operations will be made during the next several weeks.

Thompson was chosen following an extensive nationwide search and will join the UA on May 20.

Thompson will report directly to President Ann Weaver Hart and serve as a key member of the President’s Cabinet. Thompson will aid the president in setting the vision and agenda for advancing the University and strengthening its reputation locally, nationally and globally.

“Teri Thompson has an exceptional national reputation both in the private and higher education sectors,” said UA President Ann Weaver Hart. “I am thrilled to have someone of her caliber leading the efforts to tell the University’s story around the world.”

Thompson will oversee institutional communications, marketing, brand management, government relations, community relations and Arizona Public Media.

"I was delighted to learn the Latin word in UA's University Seal means 'upwards,' as it perfectly describes the university's many contributions to society, its athletic successes and its reputational trajectory under President Hart's leadership,” Thompson said. “It is with great optimism and even greater enthusiasm that I join this fine institution."