Jackson Free Press

Award-winning business-development executive and marketing professional LaTanya M. Junior became the new executive director of communications for Jackson State University Monday, Sept. 17. Her duties include running JSU's marketing, public relations, and athletic media relations strategies and its Digital Media Center, which includes JSUTV and radio stations WJSU 88.5 FM and Tiger Sports Network. Junior and her staff already have plans in action to bring changes to the department.

"We're re-hauling the entire department to make it mirror a current innovative communications department," Junior said in an interview. "We should be as innovative as any (communications center) in the country. We're making sure every campaign that leaves our office has effectiveness to it so we can make (JSU) a top-notch natural competitor in communication that can draw in more students and make it more competitive as a university. We will help bring the biggest brightest ideas and strategies for this university."

Junior came to JSU from the American Association of Advertising Agencies Center for Excellence at Howard University, where she served as chief marketing officer and communication director. She also once held the title of partner, director of strategic planning and marketing for Ogilvy and Mather of New York, one of the world's largest advertising and marketing agencies. In addition, she is the former vice president, director of integrative marketing and media director for Stedman Graham and Partner in New York.

"I have 27 years of experience in my industry," Junior said. "I have won every award you can win in my capacity as a professional."

Junior has written two books, both of which are available in more than 20,000 bookstores. They are "Creating Your Marketing Blueprint"--which is included in the top 100 workbooks for jump-start entrepreneurs by Forbes Magazine--and "Thumbology: Defining Your Desired Direction Step by Step." She also has produced 200 audio learning lecture and runs a lecture website.

Born in Harvey, Illinois, Junior attended Robert Morris University in Chicago, where she majored in business and marketing. She also studied marketing, economics and entrepreneurship at Empire State College in New York. She graduated during the 1980s but was unable to recall the specific year.