WT Hires New Assistant Vice President of Communication and Marketing

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — A communications expert with significant higher education experience will now lead West Texas A&M University’s Office of Communication and Marketing.

Kelly Carper Polden, until recently the assistant director of external relations for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, will join WT on March 15 as the University’s assistant vice president for communication and marketing.

“I am excited to join the WT team that demonstrates so much passion for and commitment to the students, families and communities of the Texas Panhandle,” Polden said. “I have greatly admired WT during my tenure at the Coordinating Board and look forward to playing a key role in serving the community as the University continues to make great strides toward the fulfillment of the WT mission and achieving the goals of WT125.”

WT undertook a national search to fill the position after the resignation of Ann Underwood, who led the team for many years before leaving to pursue new paths in education and graphic design.

“We had almost 30 qualified candidates for this position from across the country with great experience. Kelly quickly differentiated herself as someone who had a breadth of experience and higher education knowledge,” said Dr. Todd Rasberry, vice president for philanthropy and external relations. “She will join a dynamic team of professionals. Her 30 years of marketing experience in both business and higher education is key to assisting the University in developing strategic initiatives to promote and advance the mission of WT.”

At the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Polden helped develop and promote the statewide 60x30TX higher education strategic plan and worked with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s Tri-Agency Initiative to promote a seamless pipeline from K-12 education to higher education to the workforce.

Previously, she served as vice president of external relations for Caremark Rx Inc., as communications director and manager of global events for the internationally based Sulzer Orthopedics and as marketing communications director for Spinal Concepts, in addition to running her own independent communications company.

Polden earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism/mass communications from Iowa State University and a master of arts degree in political science/communications, with an emphasis in healthcare policy, from Texas State University. As president and treasurer of Carper Family Farms in her home state of Iowa, Polden has a lifelong commitment to agriculture and the rural lifestyle. She has authored two books and published several short stories, and, with her husband Howard, is an equestrian and endurance athlete.

Enlightened leadership on administrative, staff and faculty levels is a key maxim of the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. With enrollment of more than 10,000, WT offers 60 undergraduate degree programs, 40 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 15 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WTAMU—