Announcing Leadership Changes in Institutional Advancement
Dear Campus Community,
I am pleased to announce two new changes in leadership within Institutional Advancement. These are effective July 1, 2025.
Natalie Connors will be the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Alumni Engagement and Development.
Natalie Connors
Natalie has been an integral part of the PNW community since 2009, initially joining as Director for Career Development.
Throughout her career at PNW, Natalie has consistently elevated student services, including the merging of two distinctly different career services operations during unification, which included introduction of licensed career counseling services for students. She received her MS Ed in 2015 from Purdue Northwest in Instructional Design Technology. In 2022, Natalie transitioned to the role of Executive Director for Corporate Partnerships and Development Operations, where she has worked to streamline operational efficiencies including growing PNW’s industry partnerships.
Under Natalie’s stewardship, PNW has forged impactful partnerships with key entities such as Purdue Federal Credit Union, Canadian National Railroad, Indiana Harbor Belt, Cleveland Cliffs, and Enterprise Holdings, positioning the university as a leader in corporate philanthropy and engagement.
In her new capacity, Natalie will oversee the Alumni Engagement Office, Development Operations, and the Career Center, leveraging her expertise to foster deeper connections within the PNW community and drive strategic initiatives that advance the university’s mission.
Deanna Hardwick has been named Executive Director of Development.
Deanna Hardwick
Deanna joined PNW in 2022 as Director of Development, bringing a strong background in fundraising and donor relations from her previous roles at Indiana University Northwest and Valparaiso University.
She earned her Master of Science in Human Services in 2025 and, during her time at PNW, has provided strategic fundraising support to the Colleges of Business and Nursing, as well as the Chancellor’s Office. To date, Deanna has secured over $2.5 million in philanthropic support for the university.
In her new role, Deanna will provide leadership for fundraising activities, offering vision and direction to further advance PNW’s development efforts that support the mission and strategic goals of PNW.
Please join me in congratulating Natalie and Deanna on these well-deserved promotions and we look forward to their continued leadership and contributions to Purdue University Northwest.
Thanks.
Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement
Professor of Communication