Washburn University saw multiple staff changes since spring break.

The university named JuliAnn Mazachek as vice president of the Academic Affairs office, replacing Randy Pembrook, who received a new position as chancellor at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

“I am very pleased that JuliAnn has accepted this new challenge,” said Jerry Farley, president of Washburn University. “She has an extensive knowledge of Washburn and understands both the challenges and opportunities that face us. I think she is an outstanding choice for this critical position leading academic affairs. She has a thorough understanding of the academic community and is totally committed to student success.”

Mazachek joined Washburn University in 1998 as assistant professor of accounting and became dean of the Washburn University School of Business.

“I am thrilled to have the privilege of working with President Farley, the faculty and staff across the institution as we look at new and innovative ways of providing an outstanding education for our students,” Mazachek said

Mazachek later served as president and CEO of the Washburn University Foundation, assuming the role in 2002. Mazachek will continue to work with the foundation until a successor is determined.

Jim Martin agreed to officially take on the role of vice president of administration and treasurer. Martin held the position in interim after Rick Anderson received a position at the University of Texas in Rio Grande Valley.

“In today’s environment in public education, finance and business operations play a critical role and it was imperative that we have just the right person for this position,” Farley said. “Jim has corporate, teaching and university business experience. I have enjoyed working with him these past six months. He has proven to be a great leader. We are extraordinarily fortunate to have someone of Jim’s stature and experience and I am pleased that he has agreed to continue to serve the university in this role.”

Martin formerly acted as senior vice president of Westar Energy, Inc. before coming to Washburn. He is also the Henrietta and G.W. Snyder Jr. Professor in the School of Business.

“As an alum, I was very excited when the School of Business asked me to teach here in 2004,” Martin said. “In August of 2016, when I initially accepted the interim vice president’s position, I made one of the stipulations that I could continue teaching, albeit fewer classes. I am fired up about the chance to work with Dr. Farley on some of the challenges facing Washburn today. I am equally fired up about the chance to continue teaching at a university that values good teaching.”

Blake Cauble-Johnson joined the Washburn University family as director of the Student One Stop. Cauble-Johnson served as the Director of Strategic Growth for the real estate office, Re/Max Infinity. He also has former university experience as Assistant Director Of Financial Aid and Scholarships for the University of Kansas. He was an Attorney at Law for Oleen Law Firm.

“We are looking forward to Blake’s leadership and service in support of student success,” said Richard Liedtke, executive director of enrollment management. “Take a moment to stop by and say hello and welcome Blake Cauble-Johnson to our Washburn family.”