Howard University recently welcomed Jasmine Gurley as the new senior director of public relations in the Office of University Communications. Gurley will lead the media relations team and play a key role in advancing integrated storytelling and strategic messaging across the institution, while also supporting administration leadership communications, rapid response, and crisis communications. 

Prior to joining Howard University, Gurley served five years at Morehouse College, where she excelled at several leadership roles. Most recently, she served as senior director of brand marketing and communications and press secretary to the president, while also serving as interim chief of staff to the president. Gurley officially began her role at Howard University on Oct. 5, and will report to Howard University Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Lydia Sermons-Wilkerson.

A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Gurley attended Riverdale Baptist School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. She is excited to return to the DMV and looks forward to serving Howard University. 

“The work of Howard University and other HBCUs has never been more important, and I’m honored to help tell the stories that reflect our impact, celebrate our achievements, and take us to new heights,” Gurley said.  “After 18 years away, I’m ready to return to the region that shaped me into who I am today and advance the stories and impact of the Howard University community.” 

 Sermons-Wilkerson said Gurley will lead the media relations team and collaborate with teams across the Office of University Communications, in support of the administration, and the University’s schools and colleges. 

“Jasmine Gurley brings more than 14 years of strategic communications and public relations experience in corporate, PR agency, and higher education communications,” Sermons-Wilkerson said. “Her deep experience within the HBCU community will allow her to transition seamlessly into this role and build on our efforts to further elevate Howard’s voice, institutional reputation, and the reach of our storytelling.” 

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Sermons-Wilkerson highlighted Gurley’s expertise in advising senior leaders, navigating complex, high-profile issues, and leading crisis communications. She also noted Gurley’s success in securing prominent national and international media coverage. At Morehouse College, Gurley’s work contributed to significant growth in media placements, presidential thought leadership positioning, institutional brand elevation, and strategic storytelling. 

A D.C. Native With Deep HBCU Roots 

Gurley’s ties to HBCUs, Howard University, and the D.C. community run deep. She is the niece of Tiffany Gurley-Nettles, Ph.D., a speech pathologist who previously taught at Howard University. Both of her grandparents retired from the University of the District of Columbia, where her grandmother served as a campus administrator, and her grandfather worked as a campus photographer. Gurley said she fondly remembers visiting Howard’s campus with her grandmother as a child. 

At North Carolina A&T, Gurley earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications, with a concentration in public relations. As an undergraduate, she was a member of the university’s swim team, serving as captain during her junior year. During her senior year, she represented the university as the 77th Miss North Carolina A&T State University. After graduating from A&T, her passion for education was ignited when she joined Teach for America in New Orleans, where she taught ninth grade algebra at Carver Collegiate Academy. 

She described attending an HBCU as one of the best decisions of her life. 

“Like many students who attend HBCUs, I had options to go elsewhere, but I found a home in the HBCU experience,” Gurley said. “It made me feel loved and nurtured rather than tolerated. I consider it a privilege to be part of carrying on that same spirit at Howard University as a senior leader in the Office of University Communications.” 

Top photo: Jasmine Gurley. Photo credit Catt Hamlin / CattEye Media