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Abilene Christian University has named an award-winning communications and marketing professional with 23 years of experience in higher education as its first senior vice president for marketing and strategic communications.

Linda Bonnin has served as vice president for strategic communications at The University of Alabama since 2015. In that role, she created Alabama’s first branding campaign, which was named the number one branding campaign in higher education internationally in 2019. Where Legends Are Made has won 32 regional, national and international awards since its debut in 2016. 

Bonnin was the inaugural vice president for communications and marketing at The University of Alabama and also at Louisiana State University, where she managed these areas for all eight LSU campuses, before joining Alabama’s leadership team. She began her career in higher education at the University of Memphis, where she worked for 17 years, the last three as vice president for communications and marketing.

“After a national search, we’re incredibly excited to have Linda joining our team,” said ACU president Dr. Phil Schubert. “She brings a wealth of experience and expertise in key areas that will benefit ACU.” Bonnin will report directly to the president and lead ACU’s communications and marketing functions, including institutional branding. She will serve as a member of ACU’s Senior Leadership Team. 

“I’m thrilled to be joining President Schubert’s team,” said Bonnin. “His passion for ACU is palpable, and his vision is something I immediately wanted to be part of as we work to elevate ACU’s national brand and attract talented students to enhance their academic, personal and spiritual growth.”

In addition to higher education, Bonnin also has experience in the private and nonprofit sectors, government and print media. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, she is a graduate of Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. Linda and her husband, Max, have two adult children and attend University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa.

“Abilene Christian is a nationally recognized leader in student success, as evidenced by recent U.S. News & World Report rankings,” said Bonnin. “No other university in Texas was ranked in five student success categories. I’m excited about telling ACU’s story, and I look forward to making Abilene my home.”