Early Bird

Meet MSU Denver’s new director of Digital Marketing and User Experience Strategy

Kayla Manning brings extensive experience in recruitment marketing to the role.

By Josie Lavender

January 25, 2021

In December, Metropolitan State University of Denver welcomed Kayla Manning as the new director of Digital Marketing and User Experience Strategy. MSU Denver is excited about the diverse background and passion for student advocacy that Manning brings to the University’s media presence. 

Manning graduated from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in Business Administration and has extensive experience in recruitment marketing aimed at prospective university students. As a two-time Ironman finisher, Manning has shown perseverance and drive for success in her professional and personal background.

The Early Bird interviewed Manning to welcome her to the University community.

Early Bird: What interested you in joining MSU Denver’s Strategy, Marketing and Communications team?

Manning: Specifically, working for an institution that serves a diverse group of students coupled with a focus on digital transformation made the role and University a good fit for my longtime professional and personal aspirations.

Early Bird: Why is your work so important to student enrollment?

Manning: MSU Denver is already doing fantastic things to support its student base and (producing) qualified grads for the Denver community. Our digital marketing strategy is the perfect opportunity to show off the quality of MSU Denver’s faculty, staff and students as well as the University’s community impact, improving visibility and creating opportunities for prospective students to learn more.

Early Bird: What are your plans for improving MSU Denver’s digital marketing and UX strategy?

Manning: Every good strategic plan starts with assessing the current one. My main goal in the initial weeks is to do an in-depth discovery on the digital footprint of MSU Denver, fully understanding the brand’s strengths and pain points. My focus will be to refine and optimize our current efforts with a goal of elevating the brand and user experience for prospective and current students.

Early Bird: Do you have a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?

Manning: I grew up as a military brat and had the opportunity to live around the U.S. and world, including Japan and Germany.

Early Bird: What are your hobbies outside of work?

Manning: I enjoy triathlons, running, hiking, snowboarding, murder mysteries and bourbon.