Hutchinson takes on new role at Washburn as executive director of strategic communications and marketing

    Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek has named Lori Hutchinson executive director of strategic communications and marketing. Hutchinson joins the president’s cabinet and continues her current duties while leading efforts to achieve organization-wide brand consistency. As chief spokesperson for all campuses, she will develop and ensure a strong, unified message that promotes all Washburn offers.

    “In a recent brand perception survey for Washburn, we learned that continuing to emphasize the extraordinary value of Washburn – academic excellence and affordability – will be imperative to our success in the future,” said Mazachek. “Hutchinson will lead campus-wide efforts to create the greatest value from our stories and Washburn brand and sub-brand language, values and qualities. Additionally, she will develop a coordinated process for reviewing and approving marketing and communications initiatives by individual units.”

    Hutchinson began her career with Washburn more than 10 years ago, serving as director of marketing and community relations at Washburn Tech. In October 2022, she also assumed the role of interim director of public relations at Washburn University. She has been responsible for media relations, marketing campaigns, advertising, website content, campus promotion and special events.

    Prior to joining the Washburn family, Hutchinson worked for WIBW-TV in Topeka, Kan. as co-anchor of 13 News at 10. She continues to air a weekly segment, Wednesday’s Child, which features children in state care who need to be adopted. Hutchinson also was a news anchor at  KTKA-TV in Topeka and KVII-TV in Amarillo, Tex. She has been an active community volunteer for the past 30 years and has served on numerous boards of directors.

    “Hutchinson is a passionate story-teller who has had the unique opportunity of promoting technical education as well as education at a traditional university. Combining that experience with her many connections and relationships in the community, we believe she is an outstanding fit for this new and exciting role,” Mazachek said.

    Hutchinson will begin her new role immediately. A search will be conducted for her replacement at Washburn Tech.

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