Texas Southern University has appointed Dr. Jennifer H. Stephens as Vice President for Marketing and Communications, following approval by the Board of Regents at its Standing Meeting on October 16, 2025.

Dr. Stephens brings over two decades of senior leadership experience in higher education, specializing in strategic communications, branding, marketing, digital engagement, crisis management, and change leadership. She joins Texas Southern from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a Carnegie R1 research institution, where she served as Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing and chief communications and marketing officer.

During her tenure at UL Lafayette, Dr. Stephens led initiatives that enhanced the university’s national visibility. She oversaw the relaunch of the institution’s website, developed a social media program recognized nationally among NCAA Division I universities, and managed communications for major milestones including the 125th Anniversary Celebration, the opening of a new Health Sciences campus, key research achievements, and extensive campus construction and expansion projects.

Before her work in Louisiana, Dr. Stephens held several senior leadership roles at Georgia Gwinnett College, including Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Associate Vice President for Public Affairs, and Interim Executive Director of Government and External Relations. Her leadership supported the college’s growth from 118 students at its founding to over 13,000 within its first decade.

Dr. Stephens earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Georgia, a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and dual B.A. degrees in Psychology and Graphic Design from Auburn University, with additional study at Sorbonne Université in Paris.

At Texas Southern, Dr. Stephens will provide strategic oversight for all marketing, communications, and brand initiatives. Her work will focus on advancing the university’s reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and community impact through integrated storytelling.