McMorris to Lead University Communications

Makayla McMorris has been named the next executive director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Office of University Communications.

McMorris comes to UNO from local ABC-affiliated television station KETV, where she led marketing efforts as senior marketing executive. She is also involved in the community through board positions with the Women’s Fund of Omaha as their Chair of Donor Growth and Engagement and the Metropolitan Community College Foundation.

Her first day will be Monday, Dec. 10.

"I am overwhelmed with joy to have the pleasure of joining the UNO Family," McMorris said. "I’m ready to roll up my sleeves like Bill Randby and get to work on leading the torch alongside a remarkable communications team that exemplifies hard work and the ability to move the meter. UNO has been good to our family over generations and I’m confident I can pay it forward. 'You can go fast alone but you can go far together.'"

The announcement follows a months-long search that involved input from a broad array of campus stakeholders, chaired by University of Nebraska Medical Center Vice Chancellor for External Relations Bob Bartee.

"I am grateful for the diligent work of the faculty and staff who dedicated significant time and effort to ensure we brought on the right person to advance University Communications' vital work," Bartee said. "Between Ms. McMorris’ leadership and the continued excellence of the University Communications team, UNO’s brand could not be in better hands."

University Communications offers integrated, client-focused marketing, communications, media relations, and key event support services to faculty, staff and organizations across UNO. The office's executive director provides strategic oversight for the promotion and protection of UNO's brand.

Vice Chancellor for Student Success Dan Shipp, who served on the selection committee, said the pool of talented candidates speaks to the perceived value and potential of UNO’s brand and storytelling.

"There is no doubt that Makayla is the right person at the right time to further capitalize on the energy around campus and share our message of access to exceptional education and opportunities even more widely than before." Shipp said. "I’m eager to welcome Makayla to the Maverick family. I know she is excited to join our excellent team of communication and marketing professionals!"

McMorris has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Public Relations from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She has taken graduate courses at UNO.