Xavier University of Louisiana Appoints Patrice Bell Mercadel as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

Patrice Bell Mercadel

New Orleans, La. (September 11, 2017) -- Xavier University of Louisiana announced that Patrice Bell Mercadel has been appointed as the institution’s first Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.  

“Ms. Mercadel brings the expertise necessary to position Xavier effectively on the local, regional, and national stages and communicate our unique history, mission, and future to our varied audiences. I am delighted that she has joined our leadership team in this key role,” Xavier President C. Reynold Verret said. 

President Verret established the new position to oversee the overarching marketing and communications strategy to advance XULA’s strategic goals and objectives. Primarily, the university seeks to attract and train more students in the XULA tradition to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. 

Mercadel will oversee the university’s Marketing and Communications Department within the Office of Institutional Advancement and manage the overall strategic and creative direction of the university’s branding, marketing, and communications efforts. The Marketing and Communications Department will develop strategies to enhance XULA’s competitiveness by bolstering its brand, upholding its traditions, and expanding its visibility. Reporting to the Office of the President and the Office of Institutional Advancement, Mercadel will work with schools, offices, and departments across the university to hone and communicate consistent messages to engage stakeholders, ranging from prospective students to alumni and donors. 

“Xavier has a rich history, a powerful narrative, and a proven record of achievement; and I am eager to develop and implement a robust strategy to share this story with the world. I look forward to working diligently to position Xavier to receive the recognition it so richly deserves,” said Mercadel.

Mercadel, a New Orleans native with deep ties within the local community, was most recently the Public Information Officer for Transdev, a global private company that manages operations of the public transit agency in New Orleans. In that role, she was responsible for leading and implementing the agency’s rebranding campaign, creating the strategic communications and marketing plan, and developing protocols for engaging the community during major infrastructure projects. 

Previously Mercadel served in a variety of leadership roles with local, regional, and national entities and brings more than 25 years of highly successful experience in marketing, branding, and strategic communications to her new role at XULA.

Mercadel earned a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in English from the University of New Orleans.

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About Xavier University of Louisiana 

XULA students Leave Ready to serve, care, and lead their communities. For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana visit us online at www.xula.edu or follow us on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter @XULA.edu. Take a moment to learn more about how Xavier is preparing students for the future at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD4mb-jYZC8.