By Nathan Duff, Delta State University
Kelli Davis Williams has been named the new Director of Marketing at Delta State University.
Delta State University has announced the hiring of Kelli Davis Williams as its new Director of Marketing, bringing more than two decades of experience in marketing, communications, tourism, publishing, and strategic brand development to the university.
A Delta State alumna, Williams earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Delta State University. Her career spans more than 23 years of leadership in high-impact marketing, public relations, and community engagement efforts across the Mississippi Delta and beyond.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kelli back home to Delta State,” said Dr. Suzette Matthews, Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the DSU Foundation. “She brings a rare combination of strategic vision, creative execution, and deep-rooted relationships across the region. Her experience telling the story of the Delta aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate the visibility and impact of Delta State University.”
Most recently, Williams served as a Marketing Representative for Mississippi Blood Services, where she worked across the state to facilitate and increase blood drive production in a critical industry. Prior to that role, she spent eight years as Director of Cleveland Tourism for the Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce, leading award-winning marketing initiatives that promoted the region locally, nationally, and internationally. Under her leadership, the tourism agency was named “Tourism Agency of the Year” by the Mississippi Tourism Association from 2015 to 2018.
Williams has also held leadership roles with Coopwood Communications & Publishing, working in multiple roles for Delta Magazine, Delta Business Journal, The Cleveland Current and the advertising agency, Coopwood Communications.
“As a proud Delta State graduate and Cleveland resident, returning to serve the university in this role is both meaningful and exciting,” Williams said. “Delta State played a pivotal role in shaping my career, and I am honored to help tell the story of this institution, its students, faculty, alumni, and its impact on the Delta and the world.”
Williams’ leadership extends beyond her professional roles. She has served as President of both the Mississippi Tourism Association and the Mississippi Delta Tourism Association, is a life member of the Delta State University Alumni Association and has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 honoree by the Mississippi Business Journal.
Delta State University President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis said Williams’ return reflects the university’s commitment to excellence and strategic growth.
“Kelli’s professional accomplishments, combined with her deep understanding of Delta State and the region we serve, make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” Ennis said. “Her expertise will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen the university’s brand and communicate the transformative power of a Delta State education.”
As Director of Marketing, Williams will oversee university-wide marketing strategy, brand management, and communications initiatives aimed at enhancing Delta State University’s visibility, engagement, and reputation.
For more information about the DSU Office of Communications and Marketing, visit their website at deltastate.edu/communications-and-marketing/.