JANS – Jackson State University (JSU) has announced that Sophia Y. Marshall, senior vice president of communications for Comcast Central Division, will serve as the Fall 2023 commencement speaker. The ceremony will be held on Friday, Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. in the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center (AAC) at JSU.
“We are honored to have Sophia Marshall extend a message of inspiration to our graduates during this momentous milestone of their lives,” said President Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. “Her career as a transformative thought leader in corporate America will provide numerous pearls of wisdom that they will treasure as they embark upon their next chapter.”
Marshall is an award-winning global communications strategist with more than 22 years of experience in transforming corporate identity and culture, and building integrated communications programs for premiere B2B and consumer brands. She oversees all aspects of communications and creative services for Comcast’s largest division, serving over 20 million customers in the Midwest and Southeast United States.
Under her leadership, the Comcast Central Division has expanded its focus on social media, influencer engagement, advocacy, and employee ambassadorship earning recognition for storytelling excellence from several professional organizations including the Public Relations Society of America.
Prior to joining Comcast, she served as company officer and vice president of communications for Wellstar, one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated health systems. As Wellstar’s chief communicator, Marshall developed and led communications strategy, public relations, and crisis communications during healthcare’s most challenging period by garnering earned media coverage worth more than 20 million dollars in a single year.
Over the course of her career, Marshall has led and transformed multiple communications programs for national and global brands including GE Industrial Solutions, Serta Simmons Bedding, and GE Power, where she served as executive director of CEO & Global Culture Communications. She also has experience in leadership roles in brand, employee communications, and public relations for NASCO, Albany State University, and UPS.
The life-long learner is alumni of Albany State University and Kennesaw State University, earning a bachelor of arts degree in English and a master of science degree in Technical & Professional Communication.
Marshall is an avid volunteer currently residing in the greater Atlanta area with her family, and a proud active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She dedicates her spare time to mentoring young girls and women.
Commencement Event Protocols:
This is a non-ticketed event.
The Department of Public Safety will conduct bag checks upon entry.
Doors will open at 7 a.m. CT.
The ceremony will be live-streamed via @JacksonStateU on YouTube and Facebook.
Additional information is available at https://www.jsums.edu/jsucommencement/
