Jennifer Merrett leads communications and marketing strategy to support fundraising efforts at the University of California, Riverside. As the senior development communications manager, she has overseen messaging, branding, and creative for “Living the Promise: The Campaign for UC Riverside,” the institution’s first $300 million comprehensive campaign, as well as the recently launched Beyond Brilliant initiative for student support. In 2019, she piloted and produced a university podcast titled “The Creator State,” sharing stories of social innovation, entrepreneurship, change-makers, and creators from the UCR community.

Prior to joining the Highlander family in 2013, Merrett led nationwide wellness marketing at historic Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Southern California and became an expert in sesquicentennial celebrations, planning 150th anniversary public relations campaigns and events for Glen Ivy and the City of Anaheim. 

Her most memorable student experiences while attending California State University, Fullerton include building lifelong friendships as a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and summer study abroad in Barcelona, Spain.