After serving as Missouri State University vice president for marketing and communications since 2014, Suzanne Shaw will retire from her senior leadership role on March 1.

Elevating Missouri State’s brand and voice

During her 10-plus years at Missouri State, Shaw enhanced the university’s approach to storytelling, branding and engagement. Leading a team of more than 30 creative professionals, she guided the division from a production-focused operation into a strategic, campus-wide partner trusted for insight, innovation and impact.

Under her leadership, the university achieved a comprehensive brand refresh for both the Springfield and West Plains campuses, expanded digital marketing capabilities and launched a redesigned website that strengthened the institution’s online presence.

Her collaborative partnerships with enrollment management, advancement and academic colleges helped drive student recruitment and elevate the university’s visibility statewide and beyond.

Reflecting on her retirement decision, Shaw said, “I’ve been considering this step for some time. This timing will allow the individual leading the university’s next phase of brand evolution to be involved in shaping and implementing those changes.”

A national search for Shaw’s replacement will begin soon.

A successful career

Before Missouri State, Shaw worked at Purdue University from 2009-13, where she held positions as assistant vice president of strategic marketing and market research and director of creative services. She was also director of marketing for Universal Building Products (Bellwood, Illinois) from 2007-08 and director of marketing and customer service for the Chicago Faucet Company from 2000-06.

She received her BA in Computational Math/Pre-engineering from DePauw University, her BS in Industrial Engineering from Purdue and her MBA in General Management from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

“Suzanne’s strategic vision and commitment to excellence have strengthened Missouri State’s reputation in many ways,” said President Richard B. Williams. “We’re grateful for her years of service and the lasting mark she’s made on the university.”