Elizabeth City, N.C. — In nearly every field, great institutions are remembered not only for what they achieve, but for how they tell their story. Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is placing that responsibility in the hands of seasoned communications strategist Michelle Shaver, who has been named the university's new chief communications and marketing officer. Shaver will lead ECSU's Office of Communications and Marketing in shaping the institution's brand and voice.
Shaver brings 28 years of experience in communications, marketing and program management across higher education, state government and public service. Shaver's expertise comes with transformational outcomes, award-winning campaigns, crisis leadership, and a consistent ability to build systems, teams and strategies from the ground up.
A Familiar Face Returning to ECSU
Shaver is no stranger to ECSU. From 2019 to 2021, she served as executive director of Strategic Communications, where she led the university's communications strategy and served on the Chancellor's cabinet. She enhanced ECSU's statewide and national profile, securing major media placements, strengthening executive communications, and guiding messaging during Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic. She also oversaw the development of a new recruitment brand and a sub-brand for the Aviation Science program, earning a 2020 HBCUGrow Platinum Judges' Choice Award, the organization's highest honor.
Her return is a full-circle moment for ECSU, as the university continues to expand academic programs, research impact and community engagement.
Building Brands and Teams
Before returning to ECSU in this new executive leadership role, Shaver served as executive director of Strategic Marketing and Communications at Muskingum University, where she reimagined the institution's brand architecture, built a cohesive and high-performing communications division, launched multi-channel campaigns that grew social media engagement by 36 percent across four platforms, and revamped alumni publications to deepen donor connection and institutional affinity.
As a member of the President's Senior Leadership Team at Muskingum, she provided strategic counsel on visibility, reputation management, crisis communication and cross-campus engagement.
A Career Defined by Strategy, Structure and Storytelling
Throughout her professional journey—from The Ohio State University to the Ohio Department of Education, and from statewide initiatives to higher education leadership roles—Shaver has consistently demonstrated strategic brand-building.
Her accomplishments have earned recognition, including PRSA's Young Practitioner of the Year award and the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation's Fridley Team Award, the agency's highest honor.
Educational Foundation
Shaver holds a master's degree in Public Policy and Management from the John Glenn College at The Ohio State University and a bachelor's degree in Public Relations with a minor in Speech Communications from Otterbein University.
In a statement reflecting her passion for mission-driven communications, Shaver said:
"I’m honored to return to ECSU and lead the university’s communications and marketing team. What draws me most to this work is the opportunity to use communications as a force for purpose—connecting people to a shared mission inspiring action and building trust. I’m passionate about mission-driven storytelling that brings to life the values, vision, and impact of the institution. I look forward to collaborating with our community to share the stories that reflect who we are, what we stand for, and the transformative power of an ECSU education."
A Strategic Moment for ECSU
With major initiatives underway across academics, research and student success, the arrival of a communications leader with Shaver's depth of experience positions ECSU to strengthen its brand presence.
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