By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss) – Jackson State University announces Kentrice S. Rush as the interim director of marketing in the Division of University Communications, effective immediately.
“I am excited to serve my alma mater, Jackson State University, as the interim director of marketing. I appreciate the opportunity to serve and look forward to working with the University Communications team as we continue our efforts to elevate the university’s brand and propel it to new heights,” Rush said.
As the interim director of marketing, Rush will lead the team responsible for developing and executing comprehensive, data-driven marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and continue Jackson State University’s positioning as an established leader in higher education. She will also direct multi-channel marketing campaigns and brand management initiatives, ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity across all platforms, among other duties.
Rush enters the role with a wealth of marketing and digital communications experience. Her management and marketing skills have contributed to the growth of the university’s digital presence across various platforms such as Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Facebook, the official JSU mobile app, and other emerging media tools.
“I am confident that Kentrice will excel in her role as marketing director due to her extensive marketing knowledge and deep understanding of JSU’s unique identity. Her passion for storytelling and commitment to elevating our students’ stories, combined with her creativity and project management skills, make her an invaluable asset to our team,” said Tangelia Kelly, Ph.D., interim chief communications officer and executive director of University Communications at JSU.
About Rush: She joined the institution in 2015 as a social media associate and was later promoted to digital media manager, which she served from 2018 to 2024. Prior to her employment in JSU’s Division of University Communications, Rush was hired as a marketing consultant for the university. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Jackson State University, a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from Clark Atlanta University, and a film and video certificate from Full Sail University.
Rush’s Achievements: During her time at JSU, the HBCU has achieved notable success via social media, including the top social media ranking among HBCUs in the 2023 Rival IQ Engagement Report. Rush’s videography and photography works have been seen in TIME Magazine, YouTube Originals, The Washington Post, CBS Sports, Andscape, and The Today Show. She is also a recipient of PhotoShelter’s 2017 Libris Iconic Images Award. She currently serves as the primary advisor for Outspoken Arts Collective at JSU.
Rush is a member of the American Marketing Association, College Public Relations Association of Mississippi (CPRAM), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
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