Nolte Named New Vice President for Marketing & Communication

Gail M. Nolte

SHREVEPORT, LA — From industry to academia, Gail M. Nolte becomes the second Centenary graduate to join the college's executive staff this year. She has been named Vice President for Marketing & Communication at Centenary College after a distinguished 28-year career at Procter & Gamble (P&G).

Nolte began at P&G in market research and public relations, promoting philanthropic and community programs, but she later oversaw consumer service and leadership development in the Pacific Rim. Most recently, Nolte was Associate Director for P&G Global Consumer Relations, focusing on internal marketing and strategic global planning.

Meanwhile, Nolte has actively worked in her local community. In Cincinnati, she volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and chaired various YMCA boards. Nolte also served six years as an elected school board member and four years as a governor's appointment to the Ohio State Board of Education.

"Gail Nolte is a great example of a Centenary graduate: a smart, civic-minded leader," Schwab said. "After a globe-trotting career managing customer service for one of the world's most recognized brands, Ms. Nolte brings vast expertise to Centenary. As an alumna, she also brings personal passion. She is just the person to help communicate what Centenary means to our campus community and beyond."

Nolte enters a new position at Centenary: the college has never before had an administrator specifically devoted to marketing. This new hire indicates a shift, then, toward strategic branding and integrated marketing, especially regarding admissions and fundraising.

"We have a unique opportunity to develop a holistic marketing and communication plan that will reflect the vision and quality of the Centenary experience," Nolte said. "I truly believe a liberal arts education prepares us with necessary skills for success in life, because my Centenary education serves as the foundation for my own personal success."

Nolte graduated from Centenary in 1978, majoring in liberal arts and actively participating in residence life, athletics, Greek life, and college governing committees. She then earned a master's degree in planning from the University of Cincinnati, also studying business administration at Xavier University and large-scale change at the University of Dayton.

Now, Nolte returns to her alma mater, where her son is also a current student. As he moved into his residence hall, she moved into a new office.

"The work of marketing never pauses," Nolte noted. "Every academic year brings new communications challenges but everyone suffers from information overload. So Centenary must clearly articulate who we are and what we offer so future leaders can easily understand that at Centenary, they can write their own futures. It will be a privilege to serve Centenary and create a marketing plan that enlists every member of the campus community as ambassadors advocating our common vision and goals, with one voice."