Suzanne Shaw announces retirement from MSU marketing chief role

Today Missouri State University said in a news release that its vice president for marketing and communications since mid-2014, Suzanne Shaw, has decided to retire, effective March 1.

“I’ve been considering this step for some time,” Shaw said, according to the news release. “This timing will allow the individual leading the university’s next phase of brand evolution to be involved in shaping and implementing those changes.”

The university said a national search for Shaw’s replacement will soon begin.

Missouri State officials credited Shaw with enhancing Missouri State’s approach to storytelling, branding and engagement during her time at the university, leading a team of more than 30 creative professionals.

According to the news release announcing Shaw’s retirement, Shaw oversaw a comprehensive brand refresh for Missouri State’s campuses in Springfield and West Plains and expanded the university’s digital marketing efforts, including the launching of a redesigned website. Shaw also collaborated with university officials working in enrollment management, advancement and academic affairs to help drive student recruitment and make the university more visible around Missouri and beyond.

Shaw previously worked in leadership positions at Purdue University and at Illinois-based Universal Building Products Inc. and The Chicago Faucet Co. She has two bachelor’s degrees, one in computational math/pre-engineering from DePauw University and another in industrial engineering from Purdue. Shaw also received an MBA from Dartmouth College.

According to past SBJ reporting, Shaw joined Missouri State 11 years ago amid several leadership transitions in the Missouri State president’s office following the retirement of then-chief of staff Paul Kincaid.