Southeast names new executive chief of communications

Jeff Harmon, director of marketing and communications at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, has been named executive director of university communications and marketing at Southeast Missouri State University, according to a university news release.

Harmon starts Jan. 15. He was one of four finalists for the position. After the retirement of Karen Grebing as director of marketing and university relations, the position was redefined, the release said.

Harmon will serve as Southeast's chief communications and marketing officer, reporting directly to president Kenneth Dobbins. Harmon will be responsible for developing the university's brand, vision, strategy and campaigns to attract students, motivate alumni and donors, and recruit faculty and staff, the release said.

Other finalists were Dr. Derek Hall, vice president of university relations and external affairs at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla.; Thomas Evan White, former vice president for communications at the University of New England in Portland, Maine; and J. Andrew Bartlett, associate director of communications and marketing at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minn., the release said.