Contact: Allison Matthews
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University’s new chief marketing officer within the Division of Strategic Communications is a longtime marketing strategist with significant expertise in digital media.
Thomas Broadus, a native of Pascagoula and an alumnus of the University of Southern Mississippi, began his MSU role on April 1 and is based in the Office of Public Affairs. Broadus is returning to his home state after honing his skills in Greenville, South Carolina with Infinity Marketing. Most recently Broadus served as president of King & Columbus, a marketing and advertising agency based in Charleston, South Carolina.
The university conducted a nationwide search for the newly created role. “With a diverse background in private sector marketing firms, as well as a stint at Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Thomas brings the digital strengths and special skills we were looking for to help tell MSU’s story of taking care of what matters,” said MSU Vice President for Strategic Communications Sid Salter, who also directs the Office of Public Affairs.
“Our charge to Thomas is to help us cast a wider net nationally and to do an even better job telling MSU’s compelling story across digital platforms. We welcome Thomas to the Bulldog family and are fortunate to benefit from his wealth of experience in the communication and marketing arena. He will spearhead strategic marketing initiatives aimed at enhancing the university’s brand while elevating MSU’s visibility both locally and nationally,” Salter said.
After earning his 2003 USM degree in management information systems, Broadus launched his career as a software developer and quickly expanded his skills into web development and digital outreach at MPB in Jackson. There, he helped bring the agency into the digital era, launching many social media channels and overseeing website redesigns. His work in emerging digital marketing landed him roles on two national Public Broadcasting System committees, and he was regularly featured on Everyday Technology and Mississippi Edition radio programs discussing trends and issues surrounding technology and digital media.
In 2011, Broadus earned his master’s degree in mass communication, also from USM, and he began work as director of digital strategy for The Focus Group, a fully integrated marketing agency located in Gulfport. During his seven-year tenure at TFG, he became a sought-after public speaker across the Gulf South on social media strategy, digital marketing and communication planning.
After joining Infinity Marketing in 2018, Broadus advanced from digital media director to senior director of digital content, supporting teams across business development, social media, search engine optimization, website development and video production. He has worked with national, regional and local brands to bring their stories to life through innovative marketing campaigns and content development.
Broadus currently is a Ph.D. candidate in strategic media at Liberty University. He and his wife, Sharon, have four children.
For more about MSU’s Office of Public Affairs, visit www.opa.msstate.edu.