Author and CEO Pat McMillan said of communication, “Excellent communication doesn’t just happen naturally. It is a product of process, skill, climate, relationship, and hard work.”
For the past 20-plus years, Stefani Everson-Phillips has been doing the work, building relationships and honing her skills in classrooms, TV studios, radio stations, and the state’s largest school district. We are excited to welcome her to Christian Brothers University as our Director of Communications.
“At CBU, I have the opportunity to enhance my skills and talents on a university level, contributing to the university’s mission while making a meaningful impact,” said Everson-Phillips, who joined the Department of Communications and Marketing in August. “CBU’s commitment to excellence and its supportive community provide the perfect environment to grow both personally and professionally.”
Everson-Phillips comes to CBU after spending much of her career in K-12 public education. After six years combined at ABC24 and Time Warner Cable, she transitioned to Memphis City Schools, where she taught high school students the nuts and bolts of broadcast journalism.
She then moved to the district’s central office, where she wore many hats over the years in the Communications and Broadcast Services Department. Notably, she ran daily operations for the district’s TV and radio stations (88.5FM and C19TV) as general manager, managing 13 staff members and a $1 million budget, and led media relations and strategy during the historic merger of Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools.
“We recognize the need for an updated strategic communications plan to guide the university’s work forward,” said Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Ryan Flickinger. “Stefani has been brought in to lead this effort and ensure our story is being told.”
“CBU is a special place,” Flickinger added. “Stefani understands that and has quickly become a valued voice and leader on our team. She is experienced, collaborative, and understands our mission.”
Most recently, Everson-Phillips served as the Director of External Communications for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, overseeing marketing, media relations, public relations, bilingual communications, and social media.
“Stefani is one of the best communications professionals I have had the privilege to work with,” said Tutonial Williams, former Interim Superintendent and CFO of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. “One of her greatest strengths is building and maintaining strong relationships with various stakeholders, including the media, partners, and internal teams. She is an excellent communicator and her leadership style is characterized by her approachability.”
Everson-Phillips grew up in an Air Force family and spent her childhood years in Washington, D.C., and Crete, Greece. These happy experiences have stuck with her, and she continues to enjoy visiting other parts of the world with her husband, Leon, their children, and her parents, who launched her love for education and travel.
Everson-Phillips earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Fine Arts from the University of Memphis and completed a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Arkansas State University. Her office is in St. Joseph Hall.
