Melissa Beckwith

Biography

Melissa Beckwith currently serves Butler University as the University’s first Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer after serving five years as Vice President for Strategy and Innovation. As CSO, Melissa is primarily responsible for supporting the university’s visioning and planning efforts to ensure Butler is well-positioned to leverage future opportunities and emerging trends in the ever-changing world of higher education. Melissa leads the university’s long-range goal planning and works with colleagues across the university to advance strategic initiatives that support the university’s growth plan including partnerships, new program development, and new mission-aligned ventures. In addition, Melissa oversees Butler Ventures, a subsidiary focused on supporting the advancement of transformational efforts in higher education, especially those focused on enhancing access and opportunities for all learners.

During her 15 years at Butler, Melissa has served in a variety of roles including the manager of a start-up consulting organization for privately held businesses across Indiana, the Director of Strategic Initiatives within Information Technology, and Interim Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

Melissa regularly engages with early-stage education companies as an advisor and mentor.

Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree from the Lacy School of Business at Butler University and MBA from Valparaiso University. Prior to joining Butler, Melissa served in industry as a management consultant and in higher education as a marketing and communication leader.

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