The future of higher ed depends on the stories we tell.
A career built on shaping higher ed’s voice
Today’s higher ed leaders face rising skepticism, shrinking budgets and louder critics. I help institutions tell the stories that prove their worth—and protect their future.
I’ve spent my career inside universities, defining their value and telling stories that resonate with today’s students, families, donors and policymakers. Because when colleges and universities invest in their brands, they do more than just tell stories, they shape their futures.
Strategic communications that advance higher education’s purpose
Strategic messaging
Crafting narratives that align with mission and market realities
Crisis & issues management
Navigating reputational risk with clarity and composure
Brand positioning
Redefining institutions to stand out in an era of sameness
Executive counsel
Supporting presidents and boards in making bold communications moves
“We like our story best when we tell it ourselves.”
Institutions I’ve proudly served
VCU & VCU HEALTH
Vice President
2021 - present
Vice President
2020
FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Vice President & Chief of Staff
2007 - 2019
ORLANDO UTILITIES COMMISSION
Communications Manager
2004 - 2007
Senior Producer & Reporter
2000 - 2004
ORLANDO SENTINEL
“If there’s a better way, we should do it.”
Selected interviews & writings
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![Grant Heston and Jaime Hunt]()
CONFESSIONS of a HIGHER ED CMO
Uncommon Insights: AI, Creativity and Brand
National higher ed leader Jaime Hunt and I talk about the state of the industry. -
![Grant Heston and AGB]()
TRUSTEESHIP MAGAZINE
Unafraid to Tell Our Story
I share with the Association of Governing Boards how VCU built an award-winning brand platform. -
![Grant Heston and Sports Illustrated]()
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Life Lessons from Steve Spurrier
As the former Gators football coach once told me, sometimes life’s just about “showin’ up in the rain.” -
![Grant Heston and the Chronicle of Higher Education]()
CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Marketing, PR Can Save Universities
Sharing the truth about institutions is the foundation of communications and marketing. -
![Grant Heston and the Washington Post]()
THE WASHINGTON POST
Removing Richmond’s Lee Statue
The removal of the Robert E. Lee statue from Richmond is historic … and personal. -
![Grant Heston and Orlando Sentinel]()
ORLANDO SENTINEL
Thanks for the Memories, Orlando
Orlando, thank you for being my home for more than 20 years and shaping who I am. -
![Grant Heston and Chronicle of Higher Education]()
CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
When Coaching and the Boss Call
The time I attended a senior university leadership meeting in Little League gear. -
![Grant Heston and Inside Higher Ed]()
INSIDE HIGHER EDUCATION
Listening to Parents and Students
For two weeks, it seemed as though the mostly angry emails and calls would never stop.
“Our brands should be authentic, aspirational and distinctive.”
Professional & community service
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![Grant Heston - CASE]()
COUNCIL FOR ADVANCEMENT & SUPPORT OF EDUCATION
Communications and Marketing Commission
2024 - present -
![Grant Heston and Richmond Airport]()
CAPITAL REGION AIRPORT COMMISSION
Board of Commissioners
2022 - present -
![Grant Heston and GRP]()
GREATER RICHMOND PARTNERSHIP
Strategic Marketing Committee
2021 - present -
![Grant Heston and Capacitech Energy and UCF]()
CAPACITECH ENERGY
Board of Directors
2020 - present -
![Grant Heston and Lake Highland Prep]()
LAKE HIGHLAND PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Board of Trustees
2019 - 2022 -
![Grant Heston and APLU]()
ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC & LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES
Council on Strategic Communications
2013 - 2019 -
![Grant Heston and Little League]()
MAITLAND LITTLE LEAGUE
Baseball and Softball Coach
2011 - 2018 -
![Grant Heston and Enzian Theatre]()
ENZIAN THEATRE
Advisory Board
2017 - 2021
