In new role, Culbertson will direct Duke’s Learning Innovation and Continuing Studies brand integration and growth marketing strategies.
Hilary Culbertson, a seasoned marketing and communications professional in adult education, has been named the first Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for Duke’s offices of Learning Innovation and Continuing Studies.
She will oversee all program marketing efforts, with responsibility for the development and execution of growth marketing strategies to reach new lifelong learners globally with programs and services powered by digital education. Culbertson will also guide the brand integration as the offices of Learning Innovation and Continuing Studies merge under the leadership of the Vice Provost of Learning Innovation & Digital Education (VPLI).
Culbertson will join September 1 from UNC-Chapel Hill where she currently serves as Director of Communications and Marketing for Digital and Lifelong Learning, the university’s hub for online and flexible learning support.
“Hilary brings the experience we need as we transition from building to scaling digital education programs over the next few years,” said VPLI Yakut Gazi. “I am excited by her passion in this space and for the strategic rigor she brings to her work as we work to put Duke on the map as a powerhouse for learning innovation and lifetime education.”
Culbertson has about 20 years of marketing and communications experience in higher ed, corporate, government, and nonprofit settings and is a frequent contributor and speaker with the University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), where she has served as the Vice Chair for Communications for the Community and Economic Engagement Network and the Alternative Credentialing Network.
“I am excited to learn more about Duke’s digital education plans and help achieve big goals with the great team of people I’ve met,” said Hilary. “The online and continuing education space is a magical corner of higher education – it allows people all over the world, from many different walks of life, to access a top-tier education like Duke’s. I look forward to helping the university extend the quality of a Duke education to new learners.”
Prior to her current role at UNC-Chapel Hill, Culbertson spent almost five years as a senior marketing and communications professional at Sonoco, a global packaging solutions provider. She graduated from the University of South Carolina and has a Master’s in Art History from the University of Pittsburgh.