Wendy E. Parks named VP of public relations, marketing and communications at College of DuPage

Wendy E. Parks has been named vice president for public relations, marketing and communications at College of DuPage.

Parks has overseen strategic communications efforts, the News Bureau and Community Engagement at the college since joining COD in 2017 as director of public relations and communications.

In her three years with the college, she spearheaded executive communications for the Office of the President and a host of other key stakeholders. Under her leadership, the Office of Marketing and Communications earned several awards including honors from the international Telly Awards, the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations, and the Illinois National School Public Relations Association.

Additional achievements include launching a new website and digital advertising campaign, significantly increasing the College's media exposure, social media and community engagement.

“Wendy Parks' energy and vision are great assets to the college-wide community and this appointment illustrates her contributions and commitment to College of DuPage,” said COD President Dr. Brian Caputo. “Wendy's extensive experience will continue to strengthen how we communicate the College of DuPage story and the positive impact our institution has on students and community members.”

Parks holds a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MBA from Loyola University. She has held several leadership roles in marketing and communications fields within private and public organizations including We Energies, Johnson Publishing Company, Inc., University of Chicago and Chicago Housing Authority. In her new role at the college, she will oversee communications, social media, public relations, community engagement, multimedia services and marketing, while more closely focusing on strategic communications and thought leadership.

“With the support of President Dr. Caputo, further expanding and leveraging communications, community engagement and marketing will allow us to significantly impact future generations of students,” she said. “Maintaining our focus on innovation, a student-centered platform and robust community engagement will help further strengthen the brand identity and mission of College of DuPage.”

College of DuPage is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Serving approximately 25,000 students each term, College of DuPage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois. The college grants nine associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in over 50 areas of study.