Veteran Communicator Tapped to Lead University Marketing, Communications

Lisa Stone to take on leadership role after nearly 30 years at Ole Miss

By Clara Turnage

The University of Mississippi has named Lisa Stone, a trusted leader who has shaped the university’s communications for nearly three decades, as its vice chancellor for marketing and communications.

Stone, who has served as interim vice chancellor since September 2024, will start July 1, pending approval from the Institutions of Higher Learning board of trustees.

“For nearly three decades, Lisa Stone has been a valued member of our campus community,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “She has led award-winning communications campaigns, managed major initiatives, developed purposeful communication strategies, and built strong stakeholder relationships.

“Lisa’s thoughtful leadership and collaborative approach will have a meaningful impact on our marketing and communications efforts across our university. She demonstrates her deep passion and commitment for Ole Miss in all that she does, and I’m delighted to welcome her to our senior leadership team as vice chancellor for marketing and communications.”

Before serving as interim vice chancellor, Stone spent seven years as director of strategic communications in University Marketing and Communications. She led university-wide messaging, guided crisis communications, and strengthened the institution’s public profile and communications.

As vice chancellor, Stone will take the lead in guiding the university’s internal and external communications, shaping its public image, and coordinating its integrated marketing efforts.

“The impact of marketing and communications is visible across every corner of this campus,” Stone said. “From news stories and social media posts to websites and branding, each of our talented Marcomm team members has their fingerprints indelibly cemented in the successes of this very special place.”

Stone’s immediate focus is building on the university’s existing momentum. She plans to do that by challenging her team to innovate and take creative risks.

“Our role is to make people aware of the tremendous education and opportunities that exist here, so that they can build successful lives and have an impact on the world around them,” she said.

Although Ole Miss has experienced multiple record enrollments in recent years, higher education nationally is facing a looming enrollment cliff. Stone is charged with leading the university’s marketing and communications strategy through that time.

Ryan Whittington, assistant vice chancellor for marketing, has worked alongside Stone for nearly a decade. He said no one is better suited for the position than her.

“When I think of the person who best reflects our university’s personality, I think of Lisa Stone,” Whittington said. “Her commitment to – and passion for – our university, our brand, and our people is second to none.”

During her career, Stone has held leadership positions across several NASA and NOAA grant-funded statewide collaborations. There, she provided management, planning, and communications for academic, research, and economic development activities.

In her nine years in marketing and communications, Stone pioneered the award-winning Journey to Commencement campaign as well as the 60th Anniversary of Integration commemoration, which won a 2023 CASE Circle of Excellence Silver award.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stone took a leading role in helping the university communicate safety protocols, best practices, and recommendations from health professionals to the campus and community.

She also leads communications for Encompass, a multi-year, campuswide initiative to update the university’s systems that house human resources, payroll, financial data, and student information.

When Stone first joined the university staff in 1993, she intended to spend three years in Oxford while her husband, Adam, was in law school.

“But this place, it just gets hold of you,” she said. “For me, it’s always been about being a part of something that’s so much bigger than you are.

“This place touches so many people, and I get to be a part of it. I love what I do, and I’ve never had a desire to work anywhere else.”

Despite living across the state – from the Gulf Coast to Jackson to Oxford – she never left Ole Miss. Her three children – A.J., Sara, and Benjamin – have witnessed this dedication.

“My mom has worked for Ole Miss for longer than I’ve been alive,” Sara Stone said. “Ole Miss means so much to her. It’s not a job; it’s so much more than that.

After all these years, Stone said her passion for the university – and the people who make it great – has only grown.

“At its core, we are charged with expressing to our community the essence of this place and the impact we have, whether that’s through news stories, graphics, photos or speeches,” she said. “It’s a responsibility – and an honor – to get to tell this university’s story.

“Those are the fingerprints we get to leave.”