Contact: James Carskadon

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Kathryn Rodenmeyer is joining Mississippi State’s Office of Research and Economic Development as senior communications manager.

In the newly created position, Rodenmeyer will lead communications for ORED, raising awareness of MSU’s innovative research and its wide-ranging impact among key stakeholders. A Jackson native, Rodenmeyer brings more than 30 years of public relations and media production experience to the university.

“Every day, I am fortunate to get a first-hand look at the exciting research taking place at MSU, and there are so many stories to tell that our students, faculty, staff and alumni can be proud of,” said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan. “I am excited to have Kathryn leading communications for the research division as we grow our ability to tell MSU’s research story and enhance our reputation as a leading university nationally.”

Prior to joining MSU this month, Rodenmeyer spent five years as the director of communications for the Community Health Center Association of Mississippi, leading strategic communications efforts in support of 21 federally qualified community health centers. Her media production experience includes six years as an executive producer for Mississippi Public Broadcasting, where she created a documentary series focused on healthcare issues in Mississippi. She has also co-owned Mosaic Media, Inc. since 1995.

Rodenmeyer earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and a certificate in population health science from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She also holds the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential through the Universal Accreditation Board and affiliated with the Public Relations Society of America, and she was named among the Top 40 Under 40 by the Mississippi Business Journal.

MSU’s research enterprise ranks among the top 100 universities nationally and accounts for more than half of all research expenditures reported by Mississippi institutions. In Fiscal Year 2023, MSU reported more than $320 million in R&D expenditures, a record high for the university. The Office of Research and Economic Development leads overall strategy for research at MSU and oversees multiple research centers and institutes, as well as several support units. ORED also plays a significant role in Mississippi’s economic development strategy and industrial recruitment efforts by connecting private sector partners with university expertise and resources.

For more on MSU’s Office of Research and Economic Development, visit www.research.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.