MONMOUTH, Ore. —Western Oregon University alum Jude Ellis has been hired as the new Social Media & Video Content Manager. Ellis brings a wealth of experience in social media strategy and content creation to the university’s marketing and communications team.
Raised in Hood River, Oregon, she has a deep appreciation for the community-oriented values of Western. During her time at the university, she excelled not only academically but also as a captain of the cheerleading team, where she learned the power of effective communication and leadership, which is a lesson she used to shape her educational path in communication.
Ellis’s journey in communications began during her senior year when she secured a position as the Lifestyle Editor for the student newspaper, the Western Howl, despite initially applying for a social media manager role. This experience ignited her passion for storytelling and connecting with audiences. She further honed her skills while working as a Social Media Coordinator and Marketing Intern for Western’s Career Center, the Center for Professional Pathways, where she managed social media campaigns and led marketing meetings.
Following her graduation, Ellis joined Nike as a Social Media Specialist, where she executed ambitious social media campaigns and learned invaluable lessons in professionalism and confidence. Ellis shares that she was working at a local Starbucks while she was job searching and initially thought the Nike recruiter who reached out to her about the job was a scam. When she realized it wasn’t and finally got the job, she was in disbelief. Multiple times when she broke the news to her Starbucks colleagues, she was met with “You get to work at the Nike Outlet in Woodburn, how cool!” and would then respond, “Nope, even better!”
However, her love for her hometown and desire to make a difference in a smaller community ultimately drew her back to Western. Ellis shares that she loved her experience at Nike, but she is a small-town girl at heart. “It was so fun to execute large-scale projects and make a difference on such a big stage, but that doesn’t compare to seeing change in a small community like the one provided here at Western,” she adds.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be back in the Wolf Pack,” said Ellis. “I have missed our gorgeous campus and look forward to sharing stories that highlight what makes WOU special as we encourage prospective students to join us.”
In her new role, Ellis will develop and implement strategic social media campaigns aimed at enhancing Western’s presence in the community. She will oversee the creation of engaging digital content and foster relationships with community partners to advance the university’s mission.
“Her unique combination of experience and passion for Western will undoubtedly help elevate our marketing efforts,” said Executive Director of Marketing & Communications Maureen Brakke. “We’re excited to see how she will contribute to our community and engage with prospective students and our other stakeholders.”
When asked what she would tell a prospective Western student, she shares that if you seek community, guidance, employment opportunities, and the opportunity to be pushed out of your comfort zone, because of the value you bring, WOU would love to have you. “I came to WOU with low self-confidence, a sole focus on athletics, and a desire for community. I left WOU with lifelong friends, a full resume, and the confidence to accept a role at Nike two months post-grad.”
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.