Kelly Hiller, Purdue University’s chief marketing officer, has been selected as a 2026 Inspiring Women honoree by Campaign US — a recognition that celebrates leaders and rising stars breaking boundaries across creativity, media, technology and communications.
Hiller leads Purdue Brand Studio, the university’s centralized in-house brand and marketing agency, and was recognized for advancing bold, barrier-breaking brand strategies that have reshaped how public universities build and activate their brands.
“Kelly is an exceptional leader whose vision consistently elevates Purdue’s voice on a national stage,” President Mung Chiang said. “Her work not only advances our university but also sets a standard for how organizations communicate with impact.”
As CMO, Hiller led a cultural transformation that unified strategy, brand and creative under Purdue Brand Studio’s collaborative model, setting a new standard for higher education marketing through record-breaking activations and new content formats. Her efforts have led to national recognition for Purdue, including No. 6 Agency in the World by Muse (2025), No. 1 Most Recognized Public University in the U.S. by American Caldwell (2025) and four consecutive “Brands That Matter” honors from Fast Company.
Hiller is being recognized alongside marketing executives from Ancestry, Patrón Tequila, Samsung Electronics America and Ulta Beauty, placing Purdue among major global consumer brands and underscoring the university’s growing influence on the national marketing stage. She and other Inspiring Women honorees will be recognized by Campaign US during an April 23 ceremony in New York City.
