Converse College names Holly Duncan chief communications officer

Converse College announces it has hired Holly Duncan as its new chief communications officer. Duncan is a member of the college’s leadership team, serves on the President’s Cabinet, and helps Converse continue to implement the strategic plan set forth by its board of trustees to build a stronger campus culture with a commitment to excellence academically, institutionally and socially. She is responsible for leading the college’s marketing, branding and public relations initiatives to increase its visibility and reputation, and to advance its mission, vision and goals.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have someone of Holly’s caliber to help us elevate and amplify Converse’s distinctive undergraduate education for women and innovative co-ed programs for graduate and advanced study,” said Krista Newkirk, president of Converse College. “As we build Converse’s path forward, Holly’s wealth of experience will help Converse to better attract, recruit and retain quality students, faculty and staff.”

Duncan brings more than 15 years of experience to the role in both corporate and agency settings with concentrations in brand marketing, digital marketing and strategic partnerships. She came to Converse from the Harlem Globetrotters where as its director of brand marketing, she led the rebranding of the legacy team, amplified brand conversations and drove sales goals with millennial and GenZ audiences. She also held multiple management positions for Verizon Wireless where she led brand strategy, development of integrated marketing communications and branded entertainment experiences. Duncan started her career at EP+Co (Erwin Penland).

“Converse College has a long, rich history for developing leaders who are engaged, adaptable citizens committed to progress in their communities and organizations,” said Holly Duncan, chief communications officer, Converse College. “I look forward to the opportunity to lead the branding, marketing and overall communications as Converse builds its future for the next generation of students.”

Duncan is a graduate of Bob Jones University, where she earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees. She earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Emory University.

About Converse College

Converse College was founded in 1889 by citizens of Spartanburg, S.C. who aimed to create an educational experience that enables women “to see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly.” Today, Converse is a visionary college that combines a liberal arts education with the professional skills graduates need to be successful in their careers. Converse pushes beyond traditional boundaries to make a quality educational experience available to every student who seeks it – both at the undergraduate level for women and at the post-graduate level for male and female students. Converse College’s mission is to help students develop their unique voice, a sense of value, and a vision for the future.