Luanne Lawrence, a communications and marketing professional with long experience in higher education, has been appointed associate chancellor for strategic communications at the University of California, Davis, following a nationwide search. She will begin in her new post March 25.

Lawrence comes to UC Davis from the University of South Carolina, where she has served as vice president for communications. She led the development of that university’s first integrated marketing communications plan, the unification of the brand and visual identity system, and a major overhaul of the publications and periodical systems. She previously headed communications and marketing efforts at Oregon State University, where she spearheaded the nationally recognized “Powered by Orange” creative campaign; the University of Maine; the University of Baltimore; and Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania.

“We are thrilled to welcome Luanne to our campus,” said UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi. “Not only does she bring a rich background in integrated marketing, branding and strategic communications, but she has demonstrated a deep capacity to appreciate the history, achievements and aspirations of UC Davis. I am confident that she will further expand and enhance public awareness of this university as a vital economic, intellectual, technological and cultural resource for the region, state, nation and world.”

Reporting directly to the chancellor, Lawrence will manage a staff of 27 and oversee all strategic communications for the university, including marketing and branding, media relations, publications, Web and social media, crisis communications and internal communications.

“UC Davis is recognized nationally and around the world as a leading research university. There is an energy at the university — a momentum that promises it will excel in its mission to lead in the teaching, research and service mission it holds,” Lawrence said. “From the students and alumni to the faculty, staff and leadership team, everyone is dedicated to excellence. I am honored to join this team.”

A native of Pennsylvania, Lawrence earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communications at Millersville University in Pennsylvania and a master’s in education at Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg.

She is a winner of numerous awards for integrated marketing, social media and Web development from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the Public Relations Society of America and the American Marketing Association.

In 2012, students at the University of South Carolina honored her with the Rempel Award, given to a new administrator who supports the best interests of the student body.

Lawrence is a frequent keynote speaker on topics ranging from integrated marketing communications leadership to mentoring, and is the author of a chapter — “Collaboration, Tireless Enthusiasm, and Storytelling: Turning OSU’s Marketing Strategy from a Whisper to a Holler” — in the 2006 book “Creating a Strategic Marketing Plan for Your Company.”

She serves on an executive committee and council for the Association of Public Land-grant Universities; is a senior faculty member for CASE; and has held numerous posts in national marketing and public relations associations.

She and her husband, Jody Mohlman, have three children, Rachael, Sarah and Ben.