As the associate director for marketing and communications, Brenda Bishop spends her time telling Kelley stories to attract future students. But she has also taken on a new role: helping to create those stories within the classroom.
Q: How long have you been with Kelley?
Brenda: I started working part time at Kelley in May 2009 and became full time the following year. Mary Chappell, director of external affairs, hired me into a newly created position, making me the first associate director for marketing and communications at Kelley Indianapolis.
Q: You were already working on campus when you joined Kelley. Where were you before?
Brenda: I’ve been at IUPUI since July 1995 and worked in the School of Science as the director of external affairs. I oversaw fundraising, alumni relations and marketing and communications for the school and its seven departments.
Q: You've been in education most of your career, but not all of it. What brought you to higher ed?
Brenda: My first job out of college was a role in special events and fundraising (mostly special events) at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers. I was interested in fundraising and took the position at IUPUI to determine if fundraising was where I wanted to be. In the School of Science, I was able to help a number of donors fulfill their goals, while also seeing students benefit or faculty expand their research. One of the greatest things about my past roles in fundraising was impacting people through education for the rest of their lives. Now that I’ve transitioned into the marketing and communications role, I think that’s still true. While I may not be raising money, I’m helping people see their possibilities and potential.
Q: You also teach at Kelley (X204 Business Communications). What's the best part about your dual marketing and teaching roles at Kelley?
Brenda: The best part about marketing is telling stories. Now that I’m also in the classroom, I feel like I’ve become part of the story. I’ve finished seven semesters, and some of my previous students who’ve moved on to I-Core, capstone projects or commencement have reached out to say, ‘Okay, now I get it. When I was learning skills in your class I didn’t know how I’d use them, and now, I am. Thank you.’ I feel like marketing and communications allows us to tell the stories, and in the classroom, I get to be part of the story. I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had at Kelley to do both.
Q: How do you spend your time outside of Kelley?
Brenda: I spend it with my husband of 15 years, Scott Taylor, and our two, long-haired miniature dachshunds, Reggie (named during the Colts’ 2009 Super Bowl run) and Roscoe. Scott and I enjoy experiences – going new places, trying new things. I love going places with wide beer and wine menus or breweries and wineries where we can do tastings. We also like to just pick up and go travel. Our next trip is to northern Michigan in June for friends’ wedding. I have fond, childhood memories of spending time in northern Michigan, and Scott’s officiating the ceremony. We’re excited for that trip.
