Brian Edwards named Furman VP of Marketing and Communications

Brian Edwards has been named vice president of marketing and communications at Furman University following a national search. He will start Aug. 1.

Edwards, currently the chief brand and communications officer at Robert Morris University outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has more than 20 years of experience in building and promoting brands in higher education, technology and consumer brands. He will report to Furman President Elizabeth Davis and be part of the university’s senior administrative team.

“Brian keenly understands that in today’s very competitive higher education marketplace our communications with various audiences have to be strategic, clear, creative, with the ability to pivot quickly,” Davis said. “He has an impressive track record of doing that as a dynamic leader. He has driven mission-focused strategies toward measurable goals in higher education, the tech sector and with consumer products, and I look forward to working with him and his team to elevate Furman University.”

Edwards will lead the Office of Marketing and Communications, overseeing brand strategy, visual communications, news, web communications and digital marketing. The office works closely with faculty and staff across Furman’s campus to advance the university’s strategic plan: to drive a culture of innovation and impact, cultivate a vibrant and engaged community that prioritizes wellbeing, and foster sustainability. Two of Marketing and Communications’ priorities are working closely with Enrollment Services on recruiting students from across the country to Furman and with the Office of Development on raising gifts, areas in which Edwards has extensive experience.

“Furman’s national reputation for engaged learning and thoughtful, individual mentoring sets it apart as one of the best liberal arts and sciences universities in the country,” Edwards said. “Furman students receive more than a great education—they’re equipped with the values, skills and confidence to shape a better world. It’s a mission I deeply believe in, and I can’t wait to work with everyone to share Furman’s story with the world.”

Edwards has been at Robert Morris University, a Division 1 school of about 3,700 students, since 2016, when he joined as the associate vice president for marketing and public relations. Among his achievements were leading strategies that increased enrollment in fall 2023 by 30%. Before joining higher ed, Edwards was director of marketing for ShowClix, an online event technology company, and a company called 4moms that made the Origami Stroller. From 2004-2011 he directed client services for the marketing firm MatchPoint, working with leading consumer brands.

Edwards has a bachelor’s degree in English from Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania, and plans to complete his MBA at Robert Morris University.