On Aug. 23, 2021, Libby Eckhardt will join Denison University’s senior leadership team as vice president of the Office of University Communications. Eckhardt comes to Denison from Tulane, where she serves as vice president for university communications and marketing. Prior to Tulane, she was chief communications officer for Ohio State’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Eckhardt replaces Christy Tostevin, now senior vice president for communications and community relations at Victoria’s Secret.
In her new role as vice president at Denison, Eckhardt will lead a talented communications team to develop and execute communications and branding strategy for the university, as Denison continues to strengthen its position as one of the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions.
Eckhardt has nearly 20 years of experience in both higher education and agency work, having developed strategy in all aspects of communications—from admission marketing to crisis communications to fundraising to engagement.
At Tulane, Eckhardt was the chief strategist on all matters related to promoting, positioning, and protecting Tulane’s brand, image, and reputation. She served as an advisor to university leadership in day-to-day communications as well as in times of crisis, including her role with Tulane’s COVID-19 Executive Policy Group where she developed strategy, messaging, tactics, a website and the Stronger TUgether public health campaign. She also conducted market research for the school and led development of an updated brand platform and campaign.
At Ohio State, Eckhardt was hired to help establish the new College of Arts and Sciences, which was formed through the unification of five colleges. This effort required building a marketing and communications infrastructure from the ground up and increasing media coverage for Ohio State’s College of Arts and Sciences.
“Libby brings a wide range of experiences and talents to our team at a transformational time for the college,” says Denison President Adam Weinberg. “We are excited to welcome her to the Denison family to help tell our incredible story.”