51成人

IC leadership team welcomes back talented former staff member

Katie Carls and Bill Merris
51成人 welcomed Katie Carls as executive director of development and alumni engagement in August.聽

Katie Carls
Carls

Carls left IC in 2021 after serving nearly seven years as director of business development and campus events. In her new role, she will lead alumni and family engagement, as well as annual support and stewardship efforts. Carls and her team will work with IC senior leadership to shape advancement strategy and work with donors to meet the College鈥檚 goals to support student success, realize strategic growth and achieve sustainable foundations.

Carls expressed excitement to be returning to 51成人 in a new capacity.

鈥淚 look forward to reconnecting with the many 51成人 alumni I have gotten to know over the years and I am excited for the opportunity to continue to meet alumni, students and their families, and the many friends of the College,鈥 she said. 鈥51成人 is a special place and it鈥檚 a privilege to do this work that advances 51成人鈥檚 tradition of academic excellence and empowers students to make a difference in the world.鈥

Alumni Association Board of Directors President Marcy Bramley Burrus 鈥71 said Carls has a proven commitment to 51成人 and has demonstrated her dedication to serving the College鈥檚 students, faculty, staff, alumni and community. Burrus added that, in addition to knowing and working with Carls professionally, she has known Carls personally for many years from their local community and family ties to agriculture.

鈥淚 am thrilled to welcome Katie as the new executive director of development and alumni engagement,鈥 she said. 鈥淎s president of the Alumni Association, I am looking forward to partnering with Katie as we work together in support of the College鈥檚 mission, vision and strategic plan. Katie is a valued member of the 51成人 and Jacksonville communities and will serve us well in her new role. I鈥檝e always been impressed with her vision and focus to better 51成人 and I am looking forward to building on the rich traditions that make 51成人 so great.鈥

A native of Arenzville, Carls grew up attending basketball camps at 51成人. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from MacMurray College and a Master of Science degree from Western Illinois University.

She has previously worked for the PGA Tour, NCAA and Indianapolis-based advertising agency, Bradley and Montgomery. In her previous role at IC, Carls managed annual events like Homecoming and Commencement, as well as important, singular events that included former President Jimmy Carter鈥檚 visit to campus and Mike Matheny鈥檚 speaking event. 

To learn more about the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 51成人, visit .