Jessica Blais to Lead Marketing, Communications at USC Upstate
March 26, 2018
Jessica Blais joins the staff of the University of South Carolina Upstate on March 26, 2018 as associate vice chancellor for strategic communications and marketing.
Blais will provide strategic leadership, oversight and tactical and technical direction to the institutional marketing and communications team in support of the University’s strategic direction. In her role, she will help to raise the profile of USC Upstate by fostering a spirit of collaboration and delivering creative, compelling and high impact communications that will propel the University forward.
Prior to joining USC Upstate Blais served four years as the director of communications and marketing at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, where she developed and implemented strategies for news, social media and web content. She directed the University’s crisis communications efforts, worked to develop a distinct identity for USFSP, and collaborated with the advancement and admissions teams to help meet the institution’s fundraising and enrollment goals.
With a background in journalism, Blais also served as director of marketing at The Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., one of the nation’s leaders in on-site and online journalism training; an adjunct professor at the University of Tampa, Fla., where she taught writing for advertising and public relations; and as associate editor of Tampa Bay Metro Magazine. Early in her career, she worked in corporate communications and radio news.
“We are thrilled to have Jessica joining the team,” said Dr. Meredith Brunen, vice chancellor for university advancement at USC Upstate. “As a highly competent and well-trained professional, she offers a unique blend of talents and skills that will enhance our approach to strategic communications and marketing. Given her relevant higher education experience, she will be an invaluable leader during this exciting time as we go Up. Together.”
Blais received her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of South Carolina. She and her husband Patrick, a long-time professor at Eckerd College, have three adult children.
“As a graduate of USC, I am delighted to be returning to the university system that gave me my start,” said Blais. “USC Upstate is clearly on an upward trajectory and I look forward to contributing to a university that is deeply committed to student success and the community.”
About USC Upstate
The University of South Carolina Upstate is a regional, comprehensive university that offers more than 40 bachelor’s degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business administration, nursing, and teacher education, and master’s degrees in education, informatics, and nursing. These degrees help students to transition easily to careers in the Upstate region. USC Upstate is committed to fulfilling regional and state workforce needs and thus the university is a major engine of social and economic development. Comprised of a diverse and dynamic community of approximately 6,000 students from 26 states and 17 countries, USC Upstate is a wonderful blend of traditional and nontraditional students who reflect the Upstate’s rich international character. USC Upstate offers a balance of strengths that, when added up, results in a learning experience that is hard to match. The academic programs are accredited and highly ranked, with amazing research and internship opportunities for students. USC Upstate has its main campus in Spartanburg, the George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics and the UPSTATE Gallery on Main in downtown Spartanburg, a location in Greenville, and a growing number of programs online. The USC Upstate Spartans, which fields 17 varsity sports, compete on the NCAA Division I level as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Nearly 30,000 alumni have earned degrees from USC Upstate and approximately 85 percent choose to remain in the Upstate region to build their lives and careers, making a significant impact of the region’s economy and quality of life. Learn more at www.uscupstate.edu.
