CMU selects VP/University Communications and Chief Marketing Officer

Central Michigan University President Neil MacKinnon today announced the selection of Harlan Teller as the university’s next Vice President of University Communications and Chief Marketing Officer. Teller will step into the role August 1, 2025.

Teller brings decades of experience in leadership positions in public relations, marketing and communications to CMU, including leadership roles in higher education. He most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer at Northern Arizona University, where he supervised brand positioning, creative development and website management. He also worked to build alignment and integration between marketing initiatives and enrollment management.

{Photo credit: Northern Arizona University}

“As CMU embarks on the development of our strategic enrollment management plan, we knew we needed an experienced communicator and marketer who could help us deliver on our goals and priorities,” MacKinnon said. “Harlan’s unique experience working to develop, integrate and lead strategies to engage prospective students will help the University Communications team play an increasingly important role in our efforts to position CMU as a university of first choice.” 

Teller also previously served as vice president for enrollment management, marketing and communications at Northern Illinois University, where he focused on aligning marketing, communications and enrollment practices with the institutional mission. 

“I am excited and optimistic about this role at CMU because the university has chosen to pursue a purpose and a message of career preparedness, accessibility and value for its students,” Teller said. “Prospective students increasingly want to know that their college degree will deliver a good return on investment and, as an Opportunity University, CMU can offer that assurance. We have a great story to tell about student and alumni success.”

MacKinnon said Teller was selected for the role following a nationwide search that began earlier this year following the departure of prior VP/CMO John Veilleux.

Teller stepped into higher education marketing and communications after a distinguished career in the private sector, where he held senior leadership roles at major public relations firms including Burson Marstellar, Hill and Knowlton, and FTI Consulting. He provided guidance on reputational issues for numerous global companies such as McDonald’s, Duracell, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and more. 

Throughout his career, Teller has been recognized for excellence in leadership and communications. He was named Inside PR’s PR Strategist of the Year in 1996 and was named the PR Professional of the Year by the Chicago chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in 2017. He has also held several volunteer leadership roles with organizations, including the Council for PR Firms and the Center for Economic Progress.

“Harlan’s career demonstrates his commitment to the profession and to the values outlined in CMU’s Leadership Standards,” MacKinnon said. “We look forward to welcoming him into our community and engaging him in our vital work.”