Dr. Mark Alexander Promoted to Associate VP of People & Culture
August 6, 2024 (Marion, IN) — Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Mark Alexander. Since first beginning to work at IWU in 2002, Dr. Alexander has filled a variety of roles. This promotion marks a move from the role of Senior Director of Talent Development and Strategic Programs into the position of Associate Vice President (AVP) of People & Culture. In this administrative role, Dr. Alexander’s duties will extend across all branches of the IWU family–from IWU-Marion to IWU-National & Global and Wesley Seminary. As AVP Dr. Alexander will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing strategic initiatives that align with IWU’s mission, values, and commitment to people and culture. Dr. Alexander’s more than two decades of experience at IWU have proven that he is a great fit for this position. Mark Pederson, Executive Director for Human Resources, said, “Mark’s recent Talent work has blended equal parts technology and people, and he will be a great asset to advancing People & Culture at IWU.”
The AVP also leads talent development and workforce planning efforts, leverages data-informed processes to drive efficiencies in the organization, and integrates Kingdom diversity and belonging with employee engagement—all areas Dr. Alexander will excel in. He will also co-lead in culture shifting and change management as he fosters an inclusive and high-performing workplace environment. In this role, Dr. Alexander will conduct regular assessments and development/training programs to support the growth and development of our team members while ensuring human resources practices are aligned with diversity, belonging, and intercultural principles.
Dr. Karen A. Dowling, IWU Executive Vice President and Chief People & Culture Officer said of Dr. Alexander’s promotion, “Mark brings a wealth of institutional understanding, organizational culture, and human resources knowledge and skills with him into this new role. His expertise in talent management and professional development will undoubtedly add value to Indiana Wesleyan University. Mark has already been a key stakeholder in the strategic planning processes of the past for diversity and intercultural work, online and adult learning models, policies and procedures, and search advocacy. With his innovative skills and missional disposition, Mark will help lead us in the area of People and Culture to a brighter future. We are excited to work together with one another and all employees (faculty, staff, and administration) regarding IWU’s Momentum Plan impacting the hospitality and employee care initiatives. We also lean into this work together believing the people of IWU make a world-changing difference every day and can make an even greater Kingdom impact on our students, communities, and one another.”
IWU looks forward to many more years of partnership with Dr. Alexander as he moves into this new position, and anxiously anticipates the impact he will have in this role–both in the university and beyond.
