Jacobi named Lyon’s new director of marketing and communications

Lyon College announced on Friday that Keli Jacobi will be the new director of marketing and communications. She started on Monday, March 4.

Woman wearing a dark suit and striped blouse.
Keli Jacobi

In her new role, Jacobi will supervise the marketing team and oversee strategic direction, execution, impact assessment, and sustainment of the College’s marketing initiatives, including those of the College’s four-year strategic plan. Jacobi will also develop and execute an annual marketing plan for the College.

“I am excited to have Keli Jacobi joining our campus and community,” said Vice President for Enrollment Services Matt Crisman. “Keli has an extensive background in strategic planning, public relations, and spearheading a comprehensive marketing team. I look forward to watching her lead and mentor our talented marketing staff.”

As the associate director for the Office of Communications/Marketing at University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Jacobi launched several strategic communication projects, including a CASE-winning campaign for UA Little Rock’s food pantry. She also supervised a creative team and managed the university’s marketing content.

Jacobi has a media and news background, previously working as a news director for UA Little Rock and public information representative for the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Jacobi also received her national accreditation in public relations (APR).

When asked about her plans for the position, Jacobi said she wants to support the College’s strategic plan and lead the marketing department.

“My hope is to bring the same innovative leadership and data-informed decision making that President King and his administration have begun to implement so Lyon will continue to grow enrollment and increase retention rates for the students it exists to serve,” she said. “I was immediately impressed with how much talent and enthusiasm there is within the existing marketing and communication team. My primary goal is to serve that team by demonstrating visionary leadership that inspires them to build on their existing skill sets and contribute to the strategic goals set forth by the college.”

Jacobi is a candidate for the Master of Science in Data Marketing Communications from West Virginia University. She also has a Master of Arts in history from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from UA Little Rock.

“I’m a big believer in the power of a liberal arts education to promote critical thinking and develop the soft skills so many employers are expecting in the digital economy,” she said. “Lyon is a true gem tucked away in one of the most beautiful parts of Arkansas, and I count myself fortunate to have landed here.”