Missouri State University has named Mark Danes as its new vice president for marketing and communications, effective July 27.

In this role, Danes will be responsible for overall communications, research-based messaging, marketing and branding activities across Missouri State.

A seasoned higher education marketing and communications executive, Danes brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning higher education, public relations and corporate communications.

He has led universitywide branding, strategic communications, crisis communications and marketing initiatives at several institutions. Most recently, he served as vice president for marketing and communications at Alfred University, where he supported the design and launch of a $200 million capital campaign.

“This is an exciting time for our university as we have a clear vision for the future,” Missouri State President Richard B. Williams said. “Mark’s leadership and expertise will be instrumental as we strengthen our brand and identity, tell our story with greater impact and advance the goals of “Igniting Opportunity.”

More about Danes

Prior to Alfred University, Danes headed the marketing and communications team at Des Moines University since 2016. Before that, he worked at the University of North Dakota and The Citadel. At The Citadel, he built and led the first professional marketing team of 11 within nine months and developed its first institutional brand and communications strategy.

A certified project manager, Danes’s diverse background spans brand management, marketing, public relations and organizational change. He has held leadership roles at organizations, such as Burson, Edelman Public Relations, McGraw Hill Cos. and New York University Medical.

“The opportunity to help advance the mission of Missouri State is particularly exciting because of its pedigree as the nation’s leading public affairs university,” Danes said.

“There are many diverse stories of student, faculty, staff and alumni achievement to share that distinguish the university as a top-ranked academic, research and public service institution.”

Danes is currently pursuing an EdD in Higher Education Leadership from the University of North Dakota. He holds an MS in Project Management from The Citadel and a BA in Humanities and Theater Arts from the State University of New York-Purchase College.