GRAND RAPIDS- For the first time in 14 1/2 years, Brent Rudin is not working in enrollment at Cornerstone University.

On Sept. 1, Rudin officially started in his new role as the assistant vice president for university communications.

This new role on campus was created as a part of President Joe Stowell’s “first 100 days.”

In Stowell’s letter to CU last spring, one of his goals was that CU become known for “an environment that empowers all of us to thrive in our work and to be enthusiastically proud of being a part of Cornerstone University.”

Enter Rudin’s new responsibility.

“My bottom line biggest responsibility is to make movement towards the point where we all enthusiastically thrive,” Rudin said. “So far a big hurdle has been that communication has not always been so great.”

Last spring, students and faculty took a survey about the current attitude towards campus. The outcome pointed towards a new role on campus in communication.

Rudin’s position makes him the man to communicate with campus. He frequently posts messages on the Student CUBE to inform campus of any events or reasons to celebrate.

“Any time Dr. Stowell speaks to a group of people, I try to be there and listen,” he said. “I help with details. Instead of the president’s office getting calls about things, I try to inform.”

Rudin said a good example of this are the new prayer rooms in the residence halls and library. Many people on campus didn’t know what these rooms were all about, so he released a Student CUBE post to relay the information.

Other information he has announced include the hiring of new staff members, chapel schedules and road construction warnings.

“I’m a main distributor of information on campus,” he said.

Rudin reports to Marc Fowler, the senior vice president for strategic initiatives and assistant to the president.

“Brent’s talents and enthusiasm make him quite gifted to do this,” he said. “We almost aim to overcommunicate with this job. You never know who is looking where and for what.”

Rudin’s position is limited to on campus activity.

“I’m with the internal campus only, not with marketing in any way,” he said. “I work for the entire university: undergraduate and also the seminary and radio station.”

Another project Rudin is working on is helping to redesign the Eagle’s Nest Portal online.

“We’re going to enhance that with a different look and function; definitely happening this semester,” he said.

He is talking with students to get ideas for what needs to be different with the Portal, and is communicating these ideas with the Technology department.

Another function of Rudin’s position is to be a listener.

“I want students to come to me when they aren’t sure who to ask about something,” he said. “I might not be able to solve their problems, but I can help.”

Rudin formerly was the dean of enrollment. This job position is currently open, and the replacement search has begun. Provost By Baylis oversees enrollment, and Darcy Irwin and Lisa VanDyke are teamed up to run things smoothly until a replacement is found.

“I miss the people in enrollment, but I like my new job so far,” Rudin said. “Enrollment is so cyclical. Everything goes in a one year cycle. I’m enjoying the challenge. And so far, there has been a good response to what I am doing.”

Fowler said there has been unsolicited feedback on Rudin’s new job, and the response is promising.

“People have said thanks,” he said. “This early to have that kind of response is very encouraging to me and Brent. He’s making a difference.”