MSSU announces Communications, Marketing Directors

Missouri Southern State University  announcing two new employees. They are Director of Communications Felicia Vaught and Director of Marketing Abby Morris.

Abby Morris

Morris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, and a Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Analytics from St. Edward’s University in 2021, graduating magna cum laude. She has worked in communications throughout her career, beginning in higher education in 2016 at Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kansas, where she transitioned into the role of director of marketing for several years.

Morris joined MSSU as the university’s director of marketing in the University Relations and Marketing (URM) department in October 2024.

In addition to her formal education, Morris is a graduate of the National Council of Marketing and Communications Leadership Institute and a former member of the council during her time in the community college sector. She also completed the Kansas Community College Leadership Institute and holds several digital marketing certifications, as well as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace certification from the University of South Florida in 2021. Her goal is to align MSSU’s marketing programs with the institution’s strategic priorities while adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape.

“There is a beautiful complexity in higher education marketing and communications work that I love,” Morris said. “From the first time I stepped on the MSSU campus, I felt a part of this amazing community. Today’s college students face unique challenges, and that same sense of belonging plays such a crucial role in their success. My focus is to align the marketing strategies while reiterating to students that they have a whole community supporting them at MSSU.”

Felicia Vaught

Vaught began her duties as director of communications in early January 2025. She graduated with the academic distinction of magna cum laude from MSSU in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree. As a proud alumna of MSSU, Vaught is thrilled to return to her alma mater.

“Being both a first-generation and nontraditional student when I attended MSSU, I witnessed the university’s dedication to education and student success,” Vaught explained. “MSSU’s mission profoundly shaped my personal and professional growth. Returning as the director of communications feels like coming full circle and offers me an opportunity to give back to the institution that played a pivotal role in my journey.”

Vaught has 15 years of experience in the communications and relations industry, including broadcast journalism, digital media, advertising, and osteopathic medicine. She began her career at KSNF-TV and KODE-TV, where she held roles in the newsroom and sales department for more than a decade. Most recently, she worked in medical education at Kansas City University as the digital and social media program manager, supporting the Kansas City and Joplin campuses. There, she managed the university’s website, created social media content, implemented advertising campaigns, wrote for the university magazine and supported major events.

Vaught is a proud Kansas Broadcasters Association award winner and published author. She is also a certified member of Safe Gatherings, equipping her to serve children, youth and vulnerable adults. She is also a former member of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps with the Greater Ozarks Division, the Navy’s youth development program, and now speaks to current cadets about how the program shaped her commitment to service.

“I am excited to share the inspiring stories of MSSU’s students, faculty and staff while advancing the university’s mission to educate and graduate knowledgeable, responsible, successful global citizens,” Vaught said. “I look forward to fostering connections with the community, creating impactful communication strategies, and supporting the continued growth of MSSU.”

United in their mission, the director of marketing and director of communications will work together to ensure consistent branding and storytelling across all platforms.

“Earned, owned and paid media should all align toward common goals,” Morris said. “There is a lot of writing work that is necessary at a university. The director of communications and I will work to define and refine our communications plan while integrating strategies across all platforms.”

Vaught echoed this sentiment:

“By partnering with URM, I aim to amplify the university’s successes and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders,” she said.