In an unprecedented move, Biola will dissolve its communications and marketing division and remove a vice president seat from President Barry Corey’s cabinet, according to an internal announcement on Wednesday April 15th. In a letter sent to faculty and staff, Corey announced that the division’s current operations will soon be distributed to other teams, including under enrollment management and university advancement.
The closure will lead to the exit of three senior administrators, including Tracey Harrison, the Vice President of Communications and Brand Marketing, Brian Miller, the Associate Vice President of University Marketing, and Brenda Velasco, the Senior Director of University Communications.
Brian Miller has served in various capacities at Biola University for 30 years, first arriving in 1996, and Brenda Velasco has been here for 20 years since 2006. Tracey Harrison entered her role as VP of Communications and Marketing in February 2024. The university declined to comment on when the departing administrators were notified of the decision.
In his letter, Corey recognized the years of faithful service and leadership given by these individuals. He alluded to future opportunities to officially honor and thank each of them for their service and impact on the university.
“I am committed to ensuring these transitions are handled with care and dignity, in recognition of the service these leaders have given our university,” Corey wrote. “I am deeply grateful for Tracey, Brian and Brenda and their many contributions to Biola over the years.”
Corey noted that a key factor in the decision was the need for a consolidation of the university’s marketing operations under a single division. With most of the former division’s operations soon to be housed under the enrollment department, the change reflects an emphasis on targeting enrollment numbers and securing future students.
“I need all of the available enrollment resources to report under one vice president to make this strategic alignment possible,” Corey wrote. “This is necessary as the landscape of our sector experiences enrollment challenges.”
Corey announced the changes as being in step with The Biola Way, a three-year, three-point strategic plan, which was adopted by the Board of Trustees for implementation beginning in the 2024–25 fiscal year. These goals emphasize expanding distinct academic programs at the university and ensuring a healthy enrollment pool as colleges nationwide approach the enrollment cliff.
The letter also asserted that the decision to dissolve the division of marketing and communications and remove three administrative roles was not motivated by financial pressures.
“This decision is not a cost-cutting measure,” Corey wrote. “I’m convinced it is the right decision for the university and for our future. It is also a hard decision to come to, given its impact on colleagues who have served Biola.”
