Farless named Chief Communications Officer for USI

John Farless has been promoted to Chief Communications Officer at the University of Southern Indiana effective September 1, 2022. In his new role, Farless will continue to lead University Strategic Communication as well as working closely with the newly formed University Marketing Strategy department.  

Farless has served as Director of University Strategic Communication since November 2012. He first joined the department as Senior Writer in January 2012 after more than 10 years as Associate Director of Communications at Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary and School of Theology. Prior to that, he served as Staff Writer, Photographer and Interim Editor at the Perry County News. 

Farless holds a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's in business administration, both from the University of Southern Indiana. He currently serves on the WNIN Community Advisory Board, USI's Equity Diversity and Inclusion Council and the USI Presidential COVID-19 Task Force. He previously served on the Saint Meinrad Communications Advisory Board and has been involved with numerous community organizations.  

"The University of Southern Indiana provided a quality education to John which has allowed him to soar personally and professionally," said Kindra Strupp, Vice President for Marketing and Communication, "Today USI is very fortunate to benefit from his expertise as our chief communicator. As we strive to ignite enrollment and dare to enter Division I athletics, there has never been a more important need for ongoing communication to elevate the visibility and reputation of this institution and John is up to the challenge." 

University Strategic Communication, a department within the University Marketing and Communication unit, provides strategic oversight and consistency of messaging for the University in collaboration with departments across the institution. The department is responsible for copy and photographs for publications, news releases, media pitches, the USI website, University magazine, illume, crisis communication, and internal and external communication. University Strategic Communication is also responsible for video and multimedia production and manages the University's social media presence.