VSU College of Agriculture Appoints Erica Shambley as Director of Marketing, Communications and Engagement
Headshot of Erica Shambley
ETTRICK, Va.—Virginia State University (VSU) College of Agriculture (COA) announces the appointment of Erica Shambley as Director of Marketing, Communications and Engagement.
As a senior-level professional, Shambley will serve as a member of the COA leadership team and oversee the development and implementation of innovative, integrated marketing strategies and branding efforts that effectively communicate the immense value and tremendous opportunities COA provides. The college oversees three divisions, which include scholarly advancement and workforce development through academics, impactful service through Virginia Cooperative Extension and innovation through the Agricultural Research Station (ARS). Each of the three provides transformational leadership that positively affects the university and local communities, the commonwealth, the nation and the world.
"I am deeply honored to be appointed the director of Marketing, Communications and Engagement for the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University," said Shambley. "I am excited to continue telling VSU-COA’s story of innovation, impact and resilience, and to shape a strategic marketing plan that extends our reach beyond traditional spaces and audiences to reach the communities that can benefit most. COA truly makes a difference, and we can further its legacy.”
With over a decade of experience in marketing and communications, Shambley brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for fostering collaboration and driving positive change within the university and beyond. In her new role, Shambley will work closely with university and college leadership to drive engagement and increase visibility on a national level. Her work will impact land-grant initiatives, and foster collaboration and advancement across the college. In addition, she will promote and protect the reputation of the College, further enhancing its excellence and service.
Shambley has a deep commitment to VSU College of Agriculture. She accepted a role as digital marketing manager in 2015 in what was then the Department of Marketing and Communications. She served in that role until her promotion to assistant director. In 2022, when her predecessor left, she became the interim director. Working with leadership, she implemented many positive changes that expanded the department’s role, reach and effectiveness, necessitating its name change to the Department of Marketing, Communications and Engagement.
Shambley is pursuing a doctorate degree in Strategic Media from Liberty University. She holds a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and a master's in Media Management, both from VSU. Her in-depth knowledge of the industry and commitment to the COA, Extension and ARS make her exceptionally qualified to lead the college forward.
Shambley is a leader among leaders across the Cooperative Extension System. She actively serves on several regional and national committees, including the Communications Committee for the Association of Extension Administrators (AEA), the Southern Region Program Leadership Network (SR-PLN), and other 1890s Land-Grant programs. Additionally, she has significantly contributed to diversity, equity and inclusion work, serving as a state program leader and national facilitator for Coming Together for Racial Understanding.
Beyond her work at VSU, Shambley established Mostly Sugar, a digital media company aimed at engaging and inspiring multifaceted women worldwide. She has also worked as an independent marketing specialist for small businesses and brands, a financial specialist at Wells Fargo and as a benefits and internal communications specialist for the Chesterfield County Social Services Department.
Shambley’ s appointment takes effect immediately.
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