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In her new role, Houser will broadly engage alumni, manage the office’s financial resources and day-to-day operations, strengthen fundraising efforts and advance the initiatives of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. She will also serve on IC’s leadership team which develops the College's strategic plan to ensure student success, realize strategic growth and achieve sustainable foundations. 

“Illinois College was a pivotal springboard for me. I fell in love with this campus atmosphere from day one and that feeling continues today,” Houser said. “I am thrilled to be in a position now to give back to an institution that has been such an important part of my life.”

According to Stephanie Elpers Chipman, vice president of external relations, Houser joins Illinois College during an exciting time for the College, with the recent launch of the public phase of Inspiring Achievement: The Campaign for Illinois College, several summer campus renovations including the new Del ’72 and Lisa Dunham Auditorium and the announcement of IC’s highest ever enrollment in the fall. 

“As an alumna, Kris understands the history and unique strengths of Illinois College,” Chipman said. “I am confident that her leadership, experience and dedication will help the College continue its tradition of excellence and reach new heights of community engagement.”   

Houser holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Illinois College and a Master of Arts in public relations and journalism from the University of Iowa. She brings expertise in communication and marketing with decades of experience in both the education and corporate sectors, notably serving as chief communications officer for one of the largest school districts in Illinois. 

For the past 10 years, Houser has enjoyed a successful career at Springfield-based Bunn-O-Matic Corporation. BUNN is a leading manufacturer of dispensed beverage equipment which partners with restaurants worldwide. In her most recent role as vice president of brand marketing and creative services, Houser’s achievements include increasing brand awareness and improving customer support. She says she looks forward to applying the skills she has honed throughout her career to benefit her alma mater.

“As a student, I relied heavily on the generous giving spirit of others in the form of scholarships, internships and grants. Frankly, getting an undergraduate degree would have been a pretty difficult hill to climb without that support,” she said. “I plan to use my professional experience to guide implementation of best-in-class processes for our philanthropy initiatives and continually cultivate life-long loyalty to the College. If my efforts benefit even one student in the way that I benefitted, I will feel like I’ve made a significant contribution.”

Houser adds: “I hope that all alumni who visit the campus will stop by their Alumni House and say hello.”

To learn more about the Office of Alumni and Development at Illinois College, visit www.ic.edu/alumni.