Marion, Ind. (Jul. 1, 2026) — Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) President Jon Kulaga, Ph.D., has appointed Penny Callaway, D.N.P., as chief of staff, succeeding Linda Manganello, Ph.D., who will assume leadership of the university's Center for Faith and Learning.
Callaway brings extensive experience in government relations, strategic partnerships, workforce development, and public engagement to the role. Throughout her tenure at IWU, she has helped cultivate relationships and initiatives that have elevated the university's influence across Indiana while advancing its Christ-centered mission.
“Penny has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to the IWU mission,” said Kulaga. “Her ability to build meaningful partnerships, bringing diverse stakeholders together and advancing initiatives that serve both our students and the broader community, makes her uniquely qualified for this role. I am grateful for Linda Manganello's faithful service as chief of staff and excited to see her continue shaping the university's mission through the Center for Faith and Learning.”
In her current leadership role as executive director of government and strategic relations, Callaway has been instrumental in strengthening IWU’s relationships with government, business, and community leaders throughout Indiana. She played a key role in organizing the university's Capitol to Campus event, which brought state leaders to Marion and highlighted IWU's annual $649 million economic impact on Indiana. The event demonstrated the university's growing contribution to workforce development, community vitality, and economic growth across the state.
Callaway also helped coordinate Governor Mike Braun's March 2026 visit to campus, during which university leaders showcased innovative educational pathways, workforce-aligned academic programs, and partnerships designed to meet Indiana's evolving workforce needs. The visit further strengthened IWU's relationship with state leadership and underscored the university's commitment to serving the state through Christ-centered education and workforce preparation.
Her leadership and relationship-building efforts contributed to her recent appointment by Gov. Braun to Indiana's State Workforce Development Board, where she now helps guide statewide discussions around talent development, workforce readiness, and economic enterprise.
In addition to her work in government and workforce engagement, Callaway has contributed to initiatives that advance IWU’s Christian mission and public witness. She participated in early conversations that laid the groundwork for the university's involvement in America Reads the Bible. This national effort encouraged engagement with Scripture and highlighted the transformative power of God's Word, and attracted more than 3 million views through its livestream broadcast.
“I am honored by the opportunity to serve IWU in this new capacity,” said Callaway. “IWU's mission of developing students in character, scholarship, and leadership continues to transform lives and communities. I look forward to supporting President Kulaga and our leadership team as we pursue opportunities to strengthen partnerships, expand our impact, and faithfully advance the university's Christ-centered mission.”
As chief of staff, Callaway will work closely with university leadership to support institutional priorities, strengthen strategic partnerships, and advance the university's vision to serve students, the Church, and society.
