University of South Alabama Names Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

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Posted on October 17, 2014

Bob Lowry

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An experienced and creative professional with more than 20 years of leadership in higher education marketing, communications, publications and institutional branding has been named executive director of marketing and communications at the University of South Alabama.

Michael R. Haskins is currently executive vice president for external relations at the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C.  He has been selected to lead USA’s marketing and communication efforts following a nationwide search.  Haskins will join the University on December 1.

“The appointment of Mike Haskins is a significant development for the University of South Alabama,” said USA President Tony Waldrop.  “He has demonstrated an ability to strategically communicate at a very high level, and we look forward to the University of South Alabama enjoying even greater awareness and appreciation under his leadership.”

“I am extremely excited to be joining the University of South Alabama and to be moving to the wonderful community of Mobile,” said Haskins.  “I eagerly look forward to collaborating with everyone on campus and in the community to widely communicate the many outstanding attributes of the University of South Alabama and to continue to enhance the University’s excellent reputation.”

With more than 22 years of experience at the College of Charleston and the University of San Diego, Haskins’ track record is one of success in building, managing and motivating creative, forward-looking and results-oriented communications and marketing teams.

As the first executive vice president for external relations at the College of Charleston, where he has worked since 2006, Haskins currently leads and coordinates the College’s communications, public relations, marketing, and branding functions, and directs the offices of college marketing, media relations and video services, college publications, and advancement communications.

Haskins led the College of Charleston through the development and implementation of its first integrated marketing and communications plan, which resulted in the creation of a comprehensive brand identity and management structure as well as the College’s first brand manual, style guide and visual identity system.

In his efforts to enhance the reputation of the College, as well as coordinate campus communications and marketing efforts and clarify the College’s brand among target audiences, Haskins has spurred initiatives that include redesign and restructure of the College’s website, redesign of College of Charleston Magazine, launch of a strategic advertising campaign, redesign and redevelopment of all recruitment and retention communications, development of an internal newsletter, and creation of a social media and video services team.

Prior to arriving at the College of Charleston, Haskins was senior director of publications and marketing communications at the University of San Diego, where he helped lead campus marketing and branding initiatives, played a key role in the creation and execution of USD’s first integrated marketing and communications plan and developed the marketing and communications materials for the $200-million “Campaign for the University of San Diego.”

In 2008, Haskins was selected as the South Carolina Marketer of the Year by the American Marketing Association.

Haskins earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and political science from New York University, a master of arts in history from the University of San Diego and a master of business administration from The Citadel Graduate College.  His wife, Kendra, has joined the national office of the Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program, which is headquartered in Mobile, as the organization’s national field director.

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