Marian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Morris as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective January 2025. With more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in human resources, Morris brings a wealth of experience in driving transformative change and fostering strategic value within complex organizations.
Morris, a Zionsville, Indiana resident, has held key leadership positions at prominent organizations, including Staff Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Elevance Health (formerly Anthem), Human Resources and Organizational Development Director at Ascension St. Vincent Indiana, and Senior Executive Director of Human Resources at Sanford Health in South Dakota. Her extensive background in human resources leadership, change management, and strategic thinking positions her as a dynamic leader with an always-forward mindset.
As a first-generation college graduate and Indiana 21st Century Scholar, Morris deeply appreciates the transformative power of higher education. She shares Marian University’s commitment to cultivating a work environment that values the worth and dignity of all its members.
“Marian University’s mission deeply resonates with my personal and professional values,” Morris said. “I am excited to help advance a forward-thinking culture that addresses the evolving challenges in higher education.”
“In her role as CHRO, Morris will focus on implementing a new Strategic Human Resources Management plan, aligning with Marian University’s vision to achieve excellence through 2030 and beyond. Her collaborative leadership style and strategic mindset will be integral in fostering service excellence and engagement across the university,” Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener remarked. “Melissa’s exceptional track record of leadership will continue in the Marian University community as she implements a human resources strategy that sustains and accelerates the exceptional pace of growth that Marian has and will continue to achieve.”