John Denker became vice chancellor for communications and marketing for MU and chief marketing and communications officer for the UM System in August 2023. In the role, Denker leads a division of nearly 100 marketing and communications professionals to shape strategies and drive outcomes that enhance the reputation and visibility of MU, as well as further its position as a leading land-grant, AAU institution and an economic driver for the state, region and beyond. Additionally, Denker works with communications partners across the university system by coordinating shared goals, messages, issues management strategies, branding and reputation-building for schools and colleges, government relations, advancement, MU Health Care, MU Athletics and MU Extension. 

Denker previously served as interim senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer for the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, where he led institutional marketing and communications for the land-grant, AAU institution. He joined the University of Arizona in 2015 and progressed through senior marketing roles before serving as vice president of marketing and brand management and ultimately becoming interim chief marketing and communications officer in 2022. Prior to joining the University of Arizona, Denker served as the senior director of sales and marketing at The Arizona Daily Star. Denker received a doctoral degree in business administration from St. Ambrose University.