WILMORE, Ky. — Asbury University announced Tuesday that Jennifer J. McChord is the new director of strategic communications, formerly the office of Marketing and Communication.
“A new director brings fresh perspective and we are excited to transition the Office of Marketing and Communication into a new direction as the Office of Strategic Communications,” said Dr. Kevin Brown, president of Asbury University.
The Office of Strategic Communications will focus on creative and customized messaging of Asbury’s unique value in the higher education landscape. McChord will lead a team to strategically connect traditional undergraduate students, as well as, nontraditional students, international students, graduate students and online students to Asbury to experience a unique education that focuses on enduring qualities that will prepare them for success in the ever-changing global marketplace.
“Jennifer McChord brings to Asbury University a wealth of experience, an enthusiasm for people,” Brown said. “I am excited for this new direction and fresh energy that she and this new structure will bring to our community.”
McChord’s experience ranges from marketing, business development and communications for Fortune 500 corporations to small and medium businesses. She also has experience marketing to higher education, as well as, NCAA Division I athletics communications. Her experience in the private sector and how the lessons learned there can help Asbury create differentiation and unique value to the 21st century student.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the special community that is Asbury. The customized education paths and life preparedness Asbury provides to today’s student is exceptional. I am most excited to help students find Asbury so that they can gain the skills, competencies, and experience necessary to compete and thrive in tomorrow’s global marketplace,” said McChord.
Along with McChord, Asbury is also announcing an expanded role for current cabinet member, Mark Whitworth, who will now serve as vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics & University Strategic Communications.
A 1984 Asbury graduate and former member of the university’s board of trustees, Whitworth served on the Southeastern Conference (SEC) staff for 27 years before becoming chief operating officer at Knight Eady (a sports marketing and event management firm) in 2016. During his tenure, he helped KE earn the designation as Birmingham’s 12th fastest growing business in 2017. Whitworth joined Asbury’s staff in 2018 as the vice president of Intercollegiate Athletics.
In the creation of this new Office of Strategic Communications, Asbury is calling on Whitworth’s vast experience and success during his tenure in sports marketing and management, specifically in the areas of digital initiatives, branding, marketing, licensing, creative communications and corporate sponsorships.
“We are excited for this new direction and believe that Jennifer and Mark will provide the leadership, insight, and creativity to connect more students to our campus and online programs, as well as alumni and the surrounding community to Asbury University,” said Brown.
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