Steve Edwards Named Executive Director of Marketing

Lamoni, IA — Graceland University has announced the promotion of longtime team member Steve Edwards to Executive Director of Marketing, recognizing more than three decades of service and leadership that have helped shape the University’s communications and brand.

Edwards joined Graceland shortly after graduating, initially planning to gain a few years of experience before pursuing opportunities elsewhere. Instead, he found a community and mission that inspired him to build his entire career at the University.

“I had been a student worker in the Publications Production Center for three years, and when the graphic design position opened the same year I graduated, the timing felt right,” Edwards said. “What kept me here was the opportunity to constantly keep learning new things and to be part of a place that is deeply committed to helping students grow and discover their purpose.”

During his more than 30 years at Graceland, Edwards has served in a variety of roles including webmaster, art director, and marketing director. Along the way, he has helped guide the University through major technological and communication shifts — from traditional printing processes to digital design and online communications.

President Joel Shrock, PhD praised Edwards’ dedication and long-standing impact on the institution:

“Steve represents the very best of Graceland. For more than three decades he has quietly and consistently strengthened how we tell our story. His deep institutional knowledge, creativity, and commitment to our students make him exceptionally well suited to lead our marketing efforts during this important time in higher education.”

In his new role, Edwards will lead the University’s marketing strategy and communications efforts, helping strengthen Graceland’s brand and visibility while supporting enrollment efforts in recruitment and retention and engaging alumni to help fundraising campaigns in partnership with Institutional Advancement.

Kristi Hettrick, Vice President for Admissions and Advancement, said Edwards’ leadership has already played a critical role in modernizing Graceland’s undergraduate communications and strengthening enrollment outreach for the Lamoni campus:

“Steve has helped us rebuild and rethink how we communicate with prospective students and families. His ability to combine creative storytelling with strategic thinking has significantly improved the clarity, consistency, and impact of our undergraduate communications. He has never been content with the status quo and his skills in the digital communication space helped us as an institution learn how to use AI in our admissions strategies. Plus, Steve understands Graceland’s story in a way few people do, which makes him uniquely positioned to help us share it with the next generation of students.”

Edwards credits much of his professional growth to the colleagues and mentors who supported him throughout his career.

“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible colleagues and student workers who constantly push me to grow,” Edwards said. “Watching students arrive unsure of themselves and graduate confident and ready for the world has always been one of the most meaningful parts of working here.”

Among those colleagues is Tiffany Smith, Creative Director at Graceland University, who began her career as a student worker under Edwards’ guidance.

“Steve has been one of the most important mentors in my career,” Smith said. “He challenged me to grow creatively and professionally, but he also modeled what it means to lead with respect, curiosity, and collaboration. Much of what I’ve accomplished at Graceland is because he believed in me early on and encouraged me to keep pushing myself.”

Looking ahead, Edwards says he is excited to lead Graceland’s marketing efforts at a time when higher education and communication strategies are rapidly evolving:

“We’re living in a time of significant change in higher education. Prospective students are asking new questions about the value of college, and the ways we communicate continue to evolve. Helping Graceland navigate that change — while telling the stories of the students and alumni who make this place special — is both challenging and exciting.”

Edwards believes Graceland’s strength ultimately lies in its people and mission. As he steps into this new role, Edwards says he is energized by the opportunity to help tell the next chapter of Graceland’s story.

“Graceland has always been a place where students discover who they are and how they want to change the world,” Edwards said. “I’m excited to help share those stories more broadly and ensure that the next generation of students can see themselves here and understand the impact a Graceland education can have on their lives.”