Auburn University promotes Colleen Bourdeau to associate vice president for marketing

Colleen Bourdeau has been promoted to Auburn University’s associate vice president for marketing, Jennifer Wood Adams, vice president for public affairs, communication and marketing, announced today.

Bourdeau, whose appointment is effective Nov. 3, has served as director of communications and marketing for Auburn’s Harbert College of Business since 2021. She brings extensive experience in strategic marketing, brand management and communications, including nearly two decades of service to Auburn University.

“Colleen is deeply committed to advancing Auburn’s mission and has a proven record of strengthening brand storytelling, elevating institutional visibility and fostering collaboration with campus partners,” Adams said. “Her leadership, creativity and strategic perspective will continue to position Auburn for national distinction.”

In her most recent role, Bourdeau led comprehensive marketing and communications efforts for the Harbert College of Business, one of Auburn’s largest academic units. She advised senior leadership on brand strategy, directed data-informed marketing campaigns and managed digital, social and public relations initiatives designed to enhance visibility and engagement. Under her leadership, the college achieved record growth in web traffic, social media reach and national brand recognition. 

“I’m honored to help lead Auburn’s efforts to elevate our brand and share the remarkable stories of our people and programs in a unified, strategic way,” Bourdeau said. “By working collaboratively across campus, we can strengthen national awareness of Auburn’s excellence and connect more people to the transformative work happening at the university.”

Bourdeau began her Auburn career in 2006 and has held key roles throughout the institution, including positions in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, the College of Education and the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Before joining Auburn, she worked as a development representative for the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Marketing Division and as an account coordinator with The Zimmerman Agency.

Bourdeau holds an MBA from the Harbert College of Business and a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Florida State University. She serves on the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III Cabinet as the chair of communications.