By Sholnn Z. Freeman
Howard University has appointed Dana McPherson as assistant vice president in the Office of University Communications. McPherson is an award-winning marketing and brand strategist whose experience in higher education spans from advertising and trademark management to digital communications and social media. She will begin the new role on June 20.
McPherson is currently the executive director of marketing and brand management for the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at the University of Florida, where she is responsible for advancing the reputation of the nation’s top-five public university. During a recent tour of Howard’s campus, McPherson said she was excited about the leadership role at the University, especially the opportunity to showcase the achievements and perspectives that make Howard exceptional.
“It’s an honor to join the Howard family to share the institution’s continued transformative national and global impact with the world,” McPherson said. “The rich legacy of educational excellence at Howard University is unparalleled. The narratives that capture Howard’s unique strengths and contributions to society, research, education, and community are boundless.”
McPherson is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida, where she received a bachelor’s of science degree in journalism with a concentration in public relations. McPherson is an avid world traveler, having visited 29 countries so far. Throughout her career, McPherson demonstrated a nuanced understanding of marketing trends and has harnessed this knowledge to extend the university’s strategic strengths.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dana McPherson to the Office of University Communications and to Howard University. Her extensive experience in marketing and communications, particularly in the higher education sector, will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our brand and share the incredible achievements of our institution with the world,” said Frank Tramble, vice president & chief communications officer at Howard University. “Dana’s passion for showcasing top-tier institutions’ unique strengths and contributions aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to the transformative impact she will undoubtedly bring to our marketing and communications efforts.”
At the University of Florida, McPherson served as assistant director for marketing and communications with the Career Connections Center in 2011, before joining the Division of Student Life as assistant director for marketing and strategic communications in 2018. McPherson also helped guide the University Athletic Association marketing efforts as assistant director of marketing during many of the sport teams’ conference and championship runs.
As a member of the Student Life team, she led the new brand initiative for the career center and managed marketing and engagement for the University of Florida’s Disability Resource Center and a program geared toward first-generation student success. McPherson joined the Office of Strategic Communications as director of brand management and marketing in 2020 and was promoted to the role of executive director in 2022.
