Elena N. Kostyleva joins School of AREAS
Elena N. Kostyleva joins School of AREAS
The School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences Media and Communications Unit is pleased to introduce Dr. Elena N. Kostyleva as staff writer. She will work with the Media and Communications Unit to develop and manage communications to support the School’s marketing initiatives including press releases, brochures, Fertile Ground magazine, and other marketing materials.
“It is so exciting to become a member of the AREAS family and I look forward to sharing the story of the School’s successes and all the good things happening here,” she says. “I also hope to learn from all the distinguished AREAS members and do whatever I can to contribute to advancing of the School on the state, national and international levels.”
Kostyleva joined Alcorn State University in 2005 as staff writer and in 2008 was promoted to senior staff writer. Her professional background also includes working for Louis Dreyfus LLC, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Technical Assistance Program and Coca Cola.
She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Voronezh State University, Voronezh, Russia, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Alcorn State University. Her most recent accomplishment is receiving a Ph.D. in agriculture with concentration in biological resources from Voronezh State Agricultural University, Voronezh, Russia, in 2012. Kostyleva’s scientific interests include ecology, environmental science and, in particular, conservation of natural plant resources.
Kostyleva takes an active part in University life. Since 2005, she has served as an advisor for the International and Multicultural Student Organization (IMSO), helping international students to integrate in University life and enrich both domestic and international students’ college experience. She spearheaded the creation of the annual Multicultural Festival that became one of the most popular multicultural events on campus. Kostyleva also serves on several University committees including the Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council and the Ethics Week committee. She played an active part in NCAA re-certification effort by serving on the Gender/Diversity and Student-Athlete Well Being Subcommittee for Alcorn’s self-study.
Kostyleva, originally from Voronezh, Russia, came to the United States in 2002 to work on her MBA degree. She resides in Vicksburg with her husband Alexander Kostylev. She enjoys reading, growing flowers, fruit and vegetables in her garden, and travelling.
Kostyleva can be reached at [email protected] or 601.877.6156. Her office is located in the Extension and Research Complex, 201S.
