Leesburg native Denise Ward joins staff at Albany State University

ALBANY — Albany State University President Art Dunning has named Denise Ward as the special assistant to the president for marketing and strategic communications. Ward joined the university on Aug. 7.

A native of Leesburg, Ward said she wouldn’t describe her arrival as a homecoming, but rather as a second homecoming. Prior to joining Albany State, she served as a corporate communications manager at The Hershey Company in Hershey, Pa.

“This is my home,” she said. “I liked working with Hershey, but I got homesick.”

A 20-year veteran of the media and communications field, Ward has experience in print and broadcast journalism, corporate communications, public and media relations, and public affairs.

“My job is to help the community to see what Albany State University is and get them to take a closer look at all the wonderful opportunities we have to offer,” Ward said. “Basically, my job is to share the story of Albany State.”

Ward’s primary responsibilities include serving as the university’s official spokesperson, leading internal and external messaging, branding, and implementing a marketing and strategic communications plan.

“This is a crucial time for the university, and it is essential that we have strong leadership in place to guide our communications and marketing efforts,” Dunning said. “Ms. Ward possesses the passion and experience needed to work toward our mission of developing a world-class institution. We are delighted to welcome her to the Albany State University team.”

Ward previously held the position of communications specialist at MillerCoors of Albany. She has held similar positions with Booz Allen Hamilton, the University of San Diego, and Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Japan. She received a bachelor’s degree in English from Valdosta State University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix.

She is active in the community, serving as a board member for the Lee County Female Minority Mentoring Program, an ambassador for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and as a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. She also has served on the Girls Inc. of Albany board of directors.