In June, the College of Coastal Georgia welcomed James M. “Jamie” Bessette, APR onboard as Vice President for Advancement. Bessette brings to the College leadership experience in both development and marketing, having served as Vice President of Enrollment Management & Marketing at the University of Rio Grande, Vice President for Marketing and Communications at the University of Charleston (W.V.), and Director of Advancement Services at the University of Montevallo.
Bessette assumed his new role at Coastal Georgia on Monday, June 17.
“I am excited to be joining the Mariner family! I am eager to work with Dr. Johnston and the rest of the leadership team to expand the reach of the College of Coastal Georgia, inviting more students to benefit from its high-quality education and welcoming more supporters to partner with this exceptional institution. In addition to working with our internal team, I am looking forward to working with members of the College of Coastal Georgia Foundation and the College’s many partners in the community,” said Bessette. “As a new resident of the Golden Isles, I’m eager to get involved in this extraordinary community.”
Prior to working in higher education, Bessette began his professional career in sales and marketing leadership roles at several Fortune 500 financial services and telecommunications companies. He earned an undergraduate degree in business studies at the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of Montevallo. He also holds an APR (Accredited in Public Relations) designation. Bessette has been actively involved with the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), including being a judge for the Circle of Excellence Awards and serving as a conference presenter. He was recognized for his leadership by the Birmingham Business Journal, receiving their Top Chief Marketing Officer Award.
“We are so fortunate to have Jamie Bessette leading our Advancement efforts at the College,” said Johnston. “He has demonstrated tremendous drive and creativity in both his private sector and higher education backgrounds. Jamie is an exceptional leader and is passionately committed to student success. He will be a great asset to our team.”
As for Bessette, he is ready to get to work at the College of Coastal Georgia.
“There are so many positive things on the horizon and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.