Clarkson University promotes administrators

POTSDAM — Clarkson University has announced the promotions of two administrators.

Kelly O. Chezum, assistant to the president for strategic advancement, has been promoted to vice president for external relations. She said she is excited to begin work in the expanded role.

"It's a natural progression of where our initiatives have advanced with President Tony Collins. Clarkson's research and educational agenda have grown, and we've increased the connections we have with the external community," Ms. Chezum said. "The title doesn't really matter that much to me. I'm really happy to keep doing what I've been doing."

She will continue to head the Office of Marketing and External Relations and serve as assistant secretary of the college's board of trustees, which she has done for the past six years. Ms. Chezum joined Clarkson in 1999 as the director of corporate and foundation relations.

She received her bachelor's degree in marketing and communications from Carroll University, Waukesha, Wis., and earned her master of business administration degree from Clarkson in 2004. She is pursuing a doctorate in law and policy at Northeastern University.

"The greater Clarkson community is full of terrific people working together to make an impact on educational opportunities and economic opportunities by bridging research and innovation with enterprise every day," she said.

Brian T. Grant has been promoted from director of admissions to dean of admissions.

The 1993 Clarkson graduate earned his bachelor's degree in engineering and management, and joined the admissions staff in 1994. He has served as director of enrollment operations and alumni admission coordinator, before taking leadership of the undergraduate admissions program in 2005.

Mr. Grant also has a master's degree in education from SUNY Potsdam.