Making Memories: How Traditions Enhance the Student Experience

Transformation has been a hallmark of Jaime's career. In nearly 20 years working in higher education, she been part of four university rebrandings and five website overhauls. She's been hands-on in the development of an integrated marketing communications model at three institutions. As a result, she has gained extensive expertise in brand strategy, recruitment marketing, internal communications, crisis communications, issues management, online innovation, and media relations. She also has in her portfolio government relations and, for two years, she oversaw a public radio station. She is currently the vice president for university communications and chief marketing officer for Old Dominion University, a 23,000-student public R1 research institution in Coastal Virginia. Prior to her current role, she was the vice president and chief communications and marketing officer for Miami University (the one in not-as-sunny Oxford, Ohio). She also served in marketing and media relations leadership roles at Winston-Salem State University (North Carolina), Radford University (Virginia), the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and Northwestern Health Sciences University (Minnesota). Her background also includes more than four years as a print journalist and three years working for nonprofits and in nonprofit consulting. She earned my bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota and her master's degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University.

Alison Paz is a marketer and communicator with extensive experience handling complex marketing strategies, public relations, large-scale events, new media ventures, publishing, advocacy, non-profits, and community outreach. Her career spans diverse sectors including higher education, entertainment, publishing, business-to-business, retail, and health. Throughout her career, Alison has demonstrated a keen aptitude for embracing emerging technology to enhance customer experiences and drive organizational success. She started her career in the photo industry, where she launched the industry’s first online magalog and interactive forums. Her ability to merge marketing technology with operations led to the development of Turner Entertainment Group’s first entertainment and commerce portals. As the founding partner of Paz New Media, she served a diverse international client base, including CNN en Español, CNN International, Cartoon Network Latin American, Turner Network Television, National Scientific, Equifax, and numerous Atlanta regional companies. Upon relocating to Louisiana, Alison worked with the University of Louisiana System, promoting its economic impact and the value of online degree programs. She has worked extensively with non-profits on community development and volunteer efforts including Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge, Alliance for a Livable Lavista, and Girl Scouts Louisiana East. Currently serving as the Associate Director for LSU Campus Life, Alison oversees marketing and communications for some of the university's most prominent traditions.