Alcorn State University has named Marriel C. Hardy, an alumnus and former employee, as associate vice president of marketing and communication. He took his post on February 15.
Hardy brings experience in higher education marketing and communications to the position, in which he will help lead a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy for the University. His responsibilities include assisting in the oversight of media relations, content creation, research news, internal communications, and social media.
“We are elated to welcome Mr. Hardy back to Alcorn State University,” said Maxine Greenleaf, interim vice president of marketing and communication.“His past experiences, passion, and enthusiasm for Alcorn will undoubtedly help us advance the mission of our division and the institution.”
An award-winning communications and marketing professional, Hardy previously served as vice president of communications and marketing at Talladega College, Alabama’s oldest liberal arts HBCU, where he led the development of new brand and identity standards, created policies and departmental guidelines, and increased social media engagement to record levels for the college.
“I am deeply honored to return to a place I truly love and make meaningful contributions to my alma mater,” said Hardy. “I am grateful to Mrs. Greenleaf and the University for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to working with the talented team at Alcorn to help elevate the University’s profile and brand.”
Prior to Talladega, he served as chief communications officer and branding identity at Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Miss., for over five years.
During his time at Coahoma, he led the institution to five consecutive wins in The Home Depot Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant Program, securing nearly $500,000 in grant funding.
He also spearheaded the creation of the college’s first official brand and identity manual, style guide, and flagship publication ROAR Magazine.
Hardy also previously held several positions at Alcorn State University, including media assistant, information services coordinator, and television producer/communications specialist.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and a master’s degree in workforce education leadership, both from Alcorn State University. He also holds a marketing certification from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, through Coursera.
Hardy is a member of the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association, College Public Relations Association of Mississippi, American Marketing Association, an Honorary Member of Kappa Kappa Psi Honoray Band Fraternity, Inc., and previously served on the executive board of the SOD Club, the official external support group for the Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band.
He is married to Catrina Hardy, and the couple has one adult son, Colbe.
