April 27, 2023
Veteran higher ed marketing and communications executive to join SIU leadership
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Jeff Harmon, who has spent 25 years in marketing and communications in higher education and the private sector, will become Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s executive director of University Communications and Marketing on June 1.
Chancellor Austin A. Lane said the people who met Harmon were impressed with his extensive experience, which includes roles at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Arizona State University, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) and University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Harmon is coming to SIU from University of Missouri Online, where he serves as senior director of marketing, communications and student lifecycle support.
“Mr. Harmon has achieved impressive results during his career, and he will take a collaborative approach to his new role as SIU Carbondale’s chief marketing officer, a hallmark of a servant-leader,” Lane said. “The feedback we received about him was overwhelmingly positive, and I am excited to have him join our leadership team.”
Harmon, who is from Murphysboro, said he is eager to return to Southern Illinois.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue elevating the respected SIU Carbondale brand,” Harmon said. “I believe the SIU community and its constituents are truly excited about the future of the institution. There are so many points of pride to share such as the award-winning faculty, staff and degree programs; renowned alumni; championship Saluki athletics; the great city of Carbondale, and the Southern Illinois region. I have always loved this place and hoped to have the opportunity to come back and do something special here.”
Lane thanked Jim Potter for his leadership of University Communications and Marketing. He also thanked alumni Scott Moller and Adaire Putnam, who co-chaired the search committee, and the other search committee members.
Harmon earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and his M.B.A. at Arizona State University.