Marketing Department
We are storytellers.
Marketing and Communications is made up of a team of expert communicators, strategic marketers, creative designers, and compelling multimedia artists working to tell Siena’s story and build/enhance the Siena Heights University brand. Collaborate with us!
Help us tell Siena’s story. Keep us informed, share what you are most proud of and celebrate your achievements so that we can let the world know how Siena Heights University is a building a better world.
That’s the Siena Effect!
Meet Our Team
BRIAN TIPPING
Executive Director, Marketing and Public Relations
Sacred Heart Hall 112
517-264-7147
btipping@sienaheights.edu
MADELYN BIRMINGHAM
Marketing Communications Manager
Sacred Heart Hall 112
517-264-7141
mbirming@sienaheights.edu
Madelyn Birmingham, a Siena Heights University alum, is the Marketing and Communications Department’s content writer. She graduated in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science and is currently getting her Master of Fine Arts in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing through Emerson College. Madelyn writes and edits across a variety of contexts for the university—a role made familiar to her throughout her undergraduate experience by working with Eclipse, the Siena Heights literary journal, and the Writing Center, where she worked as a tutor.
In her free time, Madelyn likes to go to the gym, read, listen to music, and write. She is currently working on her first novel and hopes to one day become a best-selling author. She also enjoys spending time with her dogs and exploring local coffee shops.
LAURA HARVEY
Senior Multimedia Manager
Sacred Heart Hall 112
517-264-7144
lharvey1@sienaheights.edu
Through a creative lens, Laura tells Siena’s story through photos, videos, and social media. Her goal is to spread Siena’s message through content that is authentic, genuine, and compassionate. Laura also manages the multimedia work-studies and interns, and is constantly analyzing and adapting her social media strategies throughout the year.
Laura is a graduate of the art program at Siena Heights University. Previously, Laura worked in various management roles for Borders Books for more than ten years, and worked briefly as a bookseller at the Siena Heights Barnes & Noble.
Laura spends her off time playing tabletop RPGs, volunteering at her local animal shelter, and side hustling her photography business, Pixie Light Photo.
LAUREN FERGUS
Senior Design
Manager
Sacred Heart Hall 112
517-264-7095
lfergus@sienaheights.edu
As the Senior Design Manger, she maintains the day-to-day operations of the Siena Heights web site (sienaheights.edu), which works to improve and support our brand online. She also designs and creates pieces for campus events and marketing needs, working in both print and digital.
A SHU graduate, she was an intern in the Marketing Office and has her BFA from the University’s art program. She worked as a graphic designer for a small-town newspaper and a communications company in Ann Arbor before returning to SHU.
She enjoys spending time with friends, gaming, and going to concerts/events. She has a dog and two cats that she spoils. Lauren enjoys making printable art for her Etsy shop as well as creating chalkboard art for special events.
JESSE RAMIREZ
Multimedia
Specialist
Sacred Heart Hall 112
jramirez@sienaheights.edu
As the multimedia specialist, Jesse’s goal is to produce engaging content that is inclusive, informative, and truthful. He graduated with an English BA from Siena Heights University in May 2019. While working as an intern, Jesse produced Siena’s Centennial Documentary, which highlighted the University’s first 100 years. If modern medicine keeps progressing, Jesse plans to also work on the Bicentennial Documentary.
In his spare time, Jesse likes to write screenplays and short stories. He hopes to one day create his own feature film.
AUSTIN BARNETT
Digital Project Coordinator
Sacred Heart Hall 112
517-264-7858
abarnett@sienaheights.edu
As the Digital Project Coordinator, Austin is responsible for designing graphics for the University. He strives to use his creativity and innovative thinking to meet the University’s print and digital marketing needs.
Austin earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Siena Heights University. After graduation, he has been working as a graphic designer and product designer; creating products, packaging design, and various printed materials for nationwide showcases and big-box stores.
In his free time, Austin likes to watch movies, play video games, spend time in nature, and work on his art. He aims to write and illustrate a series of Children/Young Adult books one day.