CHICAGO—Public relations veteran Ron Culp has been named director of the graduate public relations and advertising program at DePaul University.

Culp, most recently partner and managing director of the Chicago office at Ketchum, will work with graduate faculty to recruit adjunct instructors and create new academic programs to better prepare students for post-graduation career opportunities. He also will serve as primary career advisor to the school’s master’s students.

And beginning in January 2012, Culp—whose “Culpwrit” blog provides career guidance—will teach a graduate-level course on Career Strategies for Public Relations and Advertising.

Prior to Ketchum, Culp established and headed the Chicago office of Sard Verbinnen & Co., the New York-based financial communications firm. His earlier corporate career included senior positions at four Fortune 500 corporations, including Sears, where he was senior vice president of public relations; Sara Lee Corp.; Pitney Bowes; and Eli Lilly & Company.

Earlier this year, Culp announced plans to leave global public relations agency Ketchum in order to become an independent consultant and play a larger role in the development of future communications talent. He will continue to consult with key corporate and agency clients, including Ketchum.