Indiana University Fort Wayne has named Melinda Perry its director of development. Perry will create and lead the strategic direction for a comprehensive and coordinated development program and work on cultivating relations with donors and community partners.

Perry, an Indiana University Bloomington graduate, brings 28 years of experience in fundraising and development to IU Fort Wayne. Her past development experience includes healthcare, nonprofit and education, most recently as director of development for Canterbury School, a position she held for 16 years.

Dr. Deborah Garrison, vice chancellor and dean of IU Fort Wayne, said, “Melinda will be a critically important member of the IU Fort Wayne team as we focus on achieving the goals set in our IU 2030 Strategic Plan. I am excited to work together with her as we grow our campus enrollment and educate the next generation of health professionals in our community.”

“Melinda is an accomplished development leader, a dedicated community volunteer and a passionate IU graduate,” said Casey Chell, Indiana University Foundation associate vice president of development, regional campuses. “She is a strong collaborator who will capture the energy and progress at IU Fort Wayne and bring stakeholders together to foster student success at IUFW.”

Perry shared her enthusiasm for the role, saying, “As a proud member of the IU alumni community, I'm thrilled to bring my years of development experience to this position. I look forward to working with Dr. Garrison to support the fantastic work she and her team are doing on campus and in the community. It will be an honor to work together to benefit the up-and-coming health professionals in our region.”