Jessica Gafford Carr assumed duties as assistant athletic director for communications effective Oct. 1. Carr brings a wealth of experience in sports information and communications, having recently served as the assistant athletic director for sports information at Alcorn State University, located adjacent to Lorman, Mississippi.
In her role at Alcorn, Carr excelled in the story telling of the student-athletes in their 16 sports, which included football. She took the lead in writing and editing press releases, managing the university athletics website, and developing a robust social media strategy to promote game days and student-athlete accomplishments. She was also instrumental in the branding and marketing of the program.
“I am excited to be joining such an amazing staff at LSUS. The athletic department has a solid foundation, and I am enthused to have an opportunity to help build on the legacy of Pilot Athletics,” said Carr.
Prior to her time at Alcorn State, Carr was a full-time lecturer at Grambling State University, where she taught Mass Communication courses and played a crucial role in managing the Gramblinite student newspaper. Her background also includes positions as sports information director at Paine College and assistant sports information director at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where she honed her skills in media relations and digital content management.
Carr holds a master’s degree in sport administration and a bachelor’s degree in visual journalism, both from Grambling State University. Her diverse background in education and athletics uniquely positions her to enhance LSUS’s athletics presence in the community.
“Jessieca will be a great addition to our team. She has worked at the NAIA level as well as both the NCAA Division I and Division II levels and knows what it takes to successfully tell the story of a program. She understands the importance of marketing and branding and she will be key in showcasing our program,” Morgan said.