University Relations

The division of University Relations at Midwestern University maintains offices on the Downers Grove and Glendale campuses for

• Admissions
• Communications
• Development and Alumni Relations

Admissions
As gateway to the University, the Office of Admissions welcomes everyone to our exciting professional education community. Our committed and caring staff members collaborate with others in the Midwestern University community and provide quality service while recruiting, retaining, and educating future health care professionals. As representatives of Midwestern University, we build positive working relationships, hold ourselves to the highest standards, and create an environment of courtesy and respect to serve you.

Illinois Campus Admissions

630/515-6171 phone
630/971-6086 fax

Arizona Campus Admissions

623/572-3215 phone
623/572-3229 fax

Communications
The Offices of Communications collaborate as a professional team with expertise in communications, graphic design, web development, printing and publications, media relations, and alumni relations. The four units in our department — Marketing, Publications, Media Relations, and Special Events — coupled with the unique expertise of our staff members, provides communication solutions that produce effective results for Midwestern University.

The Office of Communications also publishes the MWU Style Guide, which includes editorial and graphics standards for the University.

Illinois Campus OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

630/515-7333 phone
630/515-7180 fax

Arizona Campus office of communications

623/572-3353 phone
623/572-3791 fax

Development and Alumni Relations
The Office of Development & Alumni Relations creates opportunities for students, alumni, faculty, and staff to connect or reconnect with Midwestern University through special events, programming, pledges, and gifts. In addition, we attract and develop philanthropic support to advance the mission and vision of the University.

Illinois Campus Development and Alumni Relations

630/515-6123 phone
630/971-6415 fax

Arizona Campus Development and Alumni Relations

623/572-3286 phone
623/572-3291 fax

Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D.
Vice President of University Relations

Since 1994, Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D., has directed external relations efforts for Midwestern University at both the Illinois and Arizona campuses. She oversees the offices of admissions, development and alumni relations, and marketing and communications for our graduate and professional programs in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and health sciences. She was instrumental in the initial creation and continues to supervise the development of the university’s web site, which won a metro Chicago Addy Award for Best of Category and a bronze medal from the Admissions Marketing Report.

Under Karen's guidance, the University also won honors from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Communications Awards Program for the Best Web Site (www.midwestern.edu), Best New Media Program (A Day in the Life at MWU DVD), Best Campus Newspaper (The Vital Signs), Best Alumni Magazine (The Midwestern University Magazine), Best One-of-a-Kind Publication (Healthy Living in Arizona Tips), Best Special Event (Walk for Diabetes), and the Best Community Service Project (TOPS free physicals program).

Karen received her bachelor of arts degree in history from the College of Wooster (1987), her master of arts degree in liberal studies from Northwestern University (1994), and the doctorate of philosophy degree in Higher Education Administration from Loyola University Chicago (2008). She serves on the Boards of Directors of the YWCA of Maricopa County and the Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the Marketing Advisory Council of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and is a member of several service and educational associations. She was recently named a Top Young Executive by The Business Ledger in Chicago and one of the Forty Under 40 by The Business Journal in Phoenix.

Prior to joining Midwestern, Karen served in editorial management positions at the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the American Journal of Ophthalmology. She taught high school history at a private school in the Cleveland area before beginning her career in university administration.