Rutgers University–Newark has appointed Deidra Hill, who has more than 25 years of communications leadership experience in higher education, as the inaugural vice chancellor for marketing and communications.
Hill has served as director of advancement communications at Howard University, where she built and led a new communications unit to advance fundraising and alumni engagement. She steps into her new role at Rutgers-Newark on October 13.
She also has communications and marketing experience in the areas of enrollment, fundraising, community engagement, government relations and organizational transformation.
“Rutgers-Newark’s mission of educational access, social mobility, research excellence, opportunity and public impact is well aligned with Dr. Hill’s accomplishments and values,” said Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson.
The newly established vice chancellor position reflects Rutgers-Newark’s commitment to elevating its story, strengthening its brand and visibility, and amplifying the voices of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners, Smith-Jackson said.
“When the elephant tells the story, the lion is no longer the only voice that defines the hunt. Our new Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications will help Rutgers-Newark tell its own story – strategically and boldly – so the world knows who we are, who we lift, how we lift, what we contribute, and the extraordinary impact we are having on Newark, the state and the globe. Dr. Hill will make sure we tell the world who we are, and we will make sure we show the world what we can do,’’ said Smith-Jackson.
Said Hill, “What an exciting time to be part of the Rutgers University-Newark family. I am drawn especially to its deeply rich history of institutional excellence and community engagement. Through collaboration and partnerships, I look forward to continuing to elevate the brand nationally and globally.”
Prior to Howard University, Hill served as vice president for government and external affairs and vice president for marketing and communications at Alvernia University, where she led a successful rebranding effort, strengthened enrollment and fundraising communications, and helped enhance investment in university priorities.
At The City College of New York, she served as vice president for communications and marketing, where she guided crisis communications, elevated the brand and supported substantial enrollment growth.
Hill holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Morgan State University, a Master of Arts in Communication from American University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from South Carolina State University.
