Valparaiso University Names New Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing

Valparaiso University is pleased to announce that LeAnn Hughes will be taking the position of senior vice president of enrollment and marketing, effective July 1. Hughes comes into the position after a nine-year tenure as the vice president of enrollment management and marketing at Illinois Wesleyan University. 

In this role, Hughes will oversee Undergraduate and Graduate Admission, Financial Aid, and Strategic Enrollment and Marketing Initiatives. Hughes brings 20 years of experience in the position to campus, having taken her first VP role at Tusculum University  in 2005. Prior to working in enrollment management and marketing, Hughes served as the director of communications at King University, and as the director of marketing and sports development for the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce. 

“LeAnn has shown lifelong dedication to enhancing enrollment and marketing efforts at Universities like Valpo, and has the breadth of leadership skills needed to see the whole picture when leading our strategic messaging,” said José D. Padilla, J.D., University President. “Her experience and expertise are going to do amazing things for Valparaiso University moving forward, and we are thrilled to welcome her to campus.” 

As a first-generation college student, Hughes firmly believes in the transformative power of post-secondary education, and in the career opportunities and mobility it provides to students. Her success at Illinois Wesleyan University has demonstrated the value of her leadership style, which focuses on collaboration, flexibility in an ever-changing market, and combining storytelling and data to best engage potential students. As part of her professional philosophy, Hughes prioritizes access for all as a key component of enrollment management success.

“During my interview process, I was struck by the authenticity of the Valparaiso University community and the deep commitment to the institution’s mission,” Hughes said. “Valpo’s blend of rigorous liberal arts education and nationally recognized professional programs provides a powerful foundation for student success. Its Lutheran heritage, emphasis on service and leadership, and vibrant campus environment create a truly distinctive educational experience.” 

Hughes graduated magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee with a B.A. in English, and received her M.A. in English from East Tennessee State University. She is a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling, the Collegiate Visitor and Information Services Association, and the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling.