Kristen Smarr
Aug. 30, 2022
University of Missouri President Mun Choi has named Kristen Smarr as the interim vice chancellor of communications and marketing at MU and chief marketing and communications officer for the UM System, effective Sept. 10.
Smarr has worked at the university for more than 20 years and most recently served as associate vice chancellor for the Joint Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing. She has been instrumental in the development and recent execution of a centralized communications model that is helping the university align messaging and communications strategy. Prior to her current position, Smarr served as communications director for MU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
In her current role, Smarr leads communicators who serve internal and external audiences in areas including enrollment management, marketing, licensing and brand management, student affairs, advancement, extension, human resources, IT, finance, operations and the Office of the Provost. She also serves as the primary liaison and collaborator with deans and communications directors serving MU’s schools and colleges.
