John Brown University announced today that Lucas Roebuck has been promoted to chief communications officer and director of government affairs. Roebuck, 40, previously served six years as the director of university communications at JBU.

“Lucas has led critical efforts in brand building, modernizing our web presence, crisis communications and more,” said Dr. Jim Krall, JBU’s vice president of advancement. “We are pleased that he has accepted this new expanded role as an important member of JBU’s leadership team.”

Before his tenure at JBU, Roebuck worked as a journalist and a college professor. He served in various editorial roles at Arkansas newspapers, including as opinion editor of the Benton County Daily Record, managing editor of the Northwest Arkansas Times and assignment editor for KNWA-NBC. He also taught communications and journalism at George Fox University and Northwest Nazarene University.

As a part of the promotion, Roebuck will work with JBU President, Dr. Chip Pollard, to manage JBU’s political relations as director of government affairs.

Roebuck holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from John Brown University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas, where he also studied political science. He lives in Siloam Springs with his wife Cherissa and their four children.

“JBU has a great story to tell, and I am honored to have the opportunity to help share it,” Roebuck said. “Our students and faculty are doing amazing things in amazing places; making a concrete difference in a world filled with dynamic challenges and novel opportunities.”

As a part of the communications personnel changes, JBU also named Julie Gumm as director of marketing communications, Ken Leonhard as director of web development and Johanna Musgrave as associate director of community relations.

Lucas Roebuck was named JBU’s new chief communications officer and director of government affairs.