This school year marks an exceptional one for many reasons. Of those many reasons, the university welcomed twenty-seven new faculty and staff members. Within that group, Allison Hess, the new Digital Campaigns Coordinator in the Marketing and Brand Management Department, joins the Mercyhurst community.

A life-long Erie Native, Hess is ecstatic to be working in her hometown. A graduate from Gannon University, Hess obtained a bachelor’s in Advertising and Communications and a Marketing minor. While at Gannon, she spent three of her four years working in their Marketing department as one of the student Integrated Marketing Team Members. “I was able to get a great hands-on learning experience working in an environment that exposed me to real-life scenarios,” Hess said.

The experience that she received while at Gannon helped influence Hess’ decision to come to none other than Gannon’s rival in Mercyhurst. “I chose to continue my professional career at Mercyhurst because I loved being able to work with a team and collaborate while I was a student worker previously. I was excited for the opportunity to be able to bring the skills I gained and apply them to another university setting,” Hess said.

Although her time here has been short, Hess definitely feels at home. “The thing I have liked most so far is getting to know my team and the university as a whole, which has already welcomed me with open arms and feels like home,” Hess said. “I may have been a Gannon Knight, but I am definitely proud to call myself a Laker now!”

In her free time, Hess can often be found reading. Like many, Hess is a fan of thrillers and true crime podcasts.

Since June, Hess has been an asset to the Branding and Marketing Department. “My favorite thing about Mercyhurst is that everyone is so welcoming and friendly, and I feel like I have met a lot of people outside of my department, which you don’t hear of happening everywhere,” said Hess.

Currently, Hess is thriving in the department and is continuing to establish and upkeep the Mercyhurst brand both in-person and through virtual settings. She is bound to do great things while she’s here. If you happen to cross paths with her, be sure to say hello.