UofL selects ETSU’s Jess Vodden as new vice president for communications and marketing

University of Louisville President Gerry Bradley has named Jessica (Jess) Vodden the university’s vice president for communications and marketing. 

Vodden joins UofL from East Tennessee State University, where she served as the inaugural vice president for marketing and communications. In her role at ETSU, Vodden led an integrated team of more than 30 marketing and communications professionals and guided the department through a comprehensive brand modernization, digital ecosystem overhaul, renewed focus on internal communications and integrated marketing strategy that contributed to record new student enrollment and recognition as a Great College to Work For®.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Jess as a Cardinal and look forward to her leadership as she guides a talented team of professionals who work tirelessly to tell UofL’s story and shape and elevate the university’s brand,” Bradley said. “Jess brings with her an established track record in helping universities with integrated marketing and narrative strategy, digital transformation and crisis communications. Her experience with higher education policy groups and mission-driven organizations also proves invaluable.” 

An enterprise marketing and communications executive for more than 20 years, Vodden previously served as the chief marketing officer at Savage Grant, a social impact investment firm focused on economic and workforce development, as well as in a senior role with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. She also founded VLS, a behavioral design and communications advisory practice that worked with universities, government agencies and nonprofits.  

Vodden holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations, with minors in Spanish and graphic design from Marshall University and a Master of Public Administration in nonprofit management from the University of Colorado Denver.  

At UofL, Vodden will serve as a member of the president’s leadership team and work with campus leaders to shape the narrative of UofL’s next chapter, focusing on strategic priorities including academic success, enrollment growth, innovation, connecting with community partners and growing the university’s national reputation.  

“As one of only 13 universities in the nation recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a top-tier institution for research, community engagement and student success, the University of Louisville exemplifies everything a public university should be,” Vodden said. “I am honored and humbled to join President Bradley and the university community as they build on recent historic achievements, including record enrollment, major gains in student retention and groundbreaking investments in research and innovation that will help build a brighter future in Kentucky and across the world.  

Vodden replaces John Karman, who has served in the interim vice president role since late 2024. Karman, who guided the Office of Communications and Marketing through several major initiatives during his tenure, will return to his role as university spokesperson and executive director of communications.  

Vodden will begin at UofL on Aug. 17.