At Miami University, we don’t just tell stories – we build experiences. As the Director of Marketing, I have the privilege of leading a passionate, innovative, creative, and data-savvy team of professionals and student interns who are helping reimagine what it means to engage with a brand in the digital age.
Driving vision, yielding results
Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to grow our team from three to nine marketing professionals and interns. Together, we’ve launched a university storytelling blog, increased key marketing KPIs year over year, and brought clarity to our digital presence with tools like Sprout Social, our Social Media Playbook, and refined audience personas.
And the results speak for themselves. In 2024, Miami ranked as the #4 NCAA Division I school on Instagram and #13 overall in Division I according to RivalIQ. That recognition doesn’t just happen. It comes from a combination of strategic storytelling, deep audience insight, and a team unafraid to take creative risks.
Because that’s who we are. We are experts, yes – but we’re also explorers. We experiment, evolve, and lean into new ways of reaching and resonating with our audience. We’re proud to be known as a team that isn’t afraid to take chances in service of authentic, high-impact digital content creation.
Meet our team
- Gerod Harder, Associate Director of Social Media, brings deep expertise in video, graphic design, and trend-savvy content creation. He has a sharp eye for what builds real engagement and keeps our creative content at the forefront of digital culture.
- Kaylah Oliver, Social Media Marketing and Community Manager, is our voice and digital marketing media strategist. She helps shape how we position ourselves across channels and ensures our content resonates through an ever-evolving digital lens.
- Mary Kreidler, Natalie Janssen, and Natalie Pond, Digital and Blog interns, are not just strong writers; they are student storytellers who bring the Miami experience to life. Their work on our digital blog bridges real stories with the authenticity our social media channels are known for.
- Abbie Prues, Community Management Intern, plays a vital role in tracking social sentiment and uncovering influencer moments that deepen our campus connection.
- Carly Spence and Gracie Grady, Digital Content Creators, create entertaining, eye-catching content that reflects the spirit and energy of the Miami community.
Our team thrives on collaboration, not only with each other, but also with university partners and our agency collaborators. We serve as strategic guides and creative partners, helping elevate ideas into campaigns that shine.
What drives us?
A shared vision to transform Miami University into an innovative marketing powerhouse—one that’s rooted in who we are, yet boldly moving forward. Our efforts align with the MiamiThrive strategic plans, ensuring our work supports the university’s long-term vision while keeping the Miami identity strong for the next generation.
This is a team of experts. We know digital. We know brand. And most importantly, we know how to tell the stories that make Miami University stand out.
At the end of the day, great marketing is about more than metrics, it’s about people. Our goal is to ensure everyone who touches our work, from prospective students to campus partners, feels connected to Miami’s story. Because when we all see ourselves as brand advocates, we turn moments into movements, and stories into something lasting.
We’re just getting started, and the future is bright.
Want to connect or learn more about how we’re shaping the future of marketing at Miami?
Reach out to me, Courtney Russell, at obanioc@MiamiOH.edu. I’d love to hear from you and see how our teams can work together!