Knox College has named John Kawauchi to the post of vice president for communications and marketing and chief communications officer, effective October 28.

Kawauchi comes to Knox with more than 20 years of strategic marketing and communications management experience within the higher education industry and private sector. He most recently served as vice president and chief marketing officer - marketing and enrollment at Western State Colorado University and vice president, enrollment management, marketing and IT at Lake Superior State University. Before joining academia, Kawauchi held marketing positions at JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide Financial, and Jackson National Life.

"What attracted me to Knox College is the complete focus on the student experience and student success, and how the entire campus community works together to make this happen,” said Kawauchi, who succeeds Megan Scott '96, associate vice president of communications at Lawrence University. 

"In the search process, John demonstrated a deep understanding of the intensely competitive higher education marketplace and the collaboration and teamwork necessary for an educational  institution to succeed," said Knox College President Teresa Amott. "A first generation student himself, he shares Knox’s commitment to opportunity for students of talent and promise."

As the vice president for communications and marketing, Kawauchi will be responsible for the College’s strategic communications and messaging to prospective students and parents, alumni, donors, the on‐campus community, and other critical regional and national audiences.

“I’m excited to help Knox College differentiate itself in a world of many higher education choices," said Kawauchi. "Knox College is a special place and I’m eager to help spread the word more effectively.”

Kawauchi received a bachelor's degree in applied economics and business management from Cornell University and an MBA in marketing, finance, and statistics from the University of Chicago.