Judi Melena Smelser recently joined the College of Engineering’s Marketing and Communications team as the new Communications Manager.
As lead for news, storytelling, public and media relations, Melena Smelser works to develop and disseminate, advancing the reputation of and affinity for the College of Engineering. This includes news gathering, crafting stories, identifying the audience and deciding the best distribution channels for those pieces.
“Hitting that sweet spot between business and personal is the best part about storytelling,” said Melena Smelser. “It’s the most effective way to show how the work of the college affects people’s lives and makes them better. It's a great story to tell.”
Melena Smelser joined the College of Engineering in August after more than 8 years working in various departments at Michigan State University. Her previous assignments included working as the Communications Manager for the Department of Entomology and the School of Packaging, as well as Department Communicator for the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Before her time at MSU, Melena Smelser worked in corporate media, television production, public radio and freelance writing. She received an Emmy Award for her work as a writer on a series about personal finance.
When she’s not storytelling, Melena Smelser enjoys traveling, cooking classes, dancing, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. If you meet her in person, ask her about competitive shepherding.
Melena Smelser received her bachelor's degree in mass communication with a concentration in broadcast journalism and video production from Miami University.
Written by Maggie Dillon, a student writer and public relations assistant in the MSU College of Engineering Marketing and Communications office.
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page