Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½

Marcelle Fontenot, a veteran newscaster with deep ties to the Acadiana community, leads the University’s Office of Communications & Marketing, which oversees the institution’s strategic communications, media relations, marketing, brand stewardship, digital engagement and storytelling.

An Opelousas native, Fontenot has spent more than 20 years working in broadcast journalism in Acadiana and is widely recognized as one of the region’s most trusted voices in local news.
Throughout her career, Fontenot has covered many of the defining events affecting Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ and the Acadiana region, including major hurricanes, elections, and other significant stories that shaped communities across the state.

 Known for her calm presence during emergencies, she has helped deliver critical information to the public during hurricanes, health crises, and other major events. Her work has earned numerous professional and community honors, including Associated Press awards for investigative and community affairs reporting.
As chief communications officer, Fontenot oversees the University’s integrated communications strategy and the work of the Office of Communications & Marketing. The office manages the University’s external and internal communications, media relations, marketing and advertising campaigns, photography, creative services, social media strategy, web content, print and digital publications, licensing, and brand identity. She will also serve as primary communications adviser to University leadership, including Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ Lafayette president.

Fontenot earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Southern University. She has also been actively involved in the Acadiana community through organizations, including the Junior League of Acadiana, Acadiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana.

Bachelor's of Arts Degree, Mass Communications
Southern University and A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA