Melissa Beckwith

Vice President for Strategy and Innovation, Butler University

Melissa Beckwith serves Butler University as the University’s first Vice President for Strategy and Innovation. In this role, Melissa is primarily responsible for leading the University’s forward looking efforts to ensure Butler is well positioned to leverage future opportunities and emerging trends in the ever-changing higher education landscape. Melissa directs and oversees the University’s strategic and long-range goal planning function and serves as a catalyst for strategic initiatives that support the long-term growth plan including strategic partnerships, new program development, and new mission-aligned ventures. In addition, Melissa oversees Butler Ventures, a subsidiary focused on the transformation of higher education.

During her fourteen years at Butler, Melissa has served in variety of roles including the manager of a start-up consulting organization for privately-held businesses across Indiana, the Director of Strategic Initiatives within Information Technology and Interim Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

Melissa regularly engages with early stage education companies as a board member and advisor. She is also on the Board of Advisors for High Alpha Innovation.

Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree from the Lacy School of Business at Butler University and MBA from Valparaiso University. Prior to joining Butler, Melissa served in industry as a management consultant and in higher education as marketing and communication leader.