Dr. Leslie C. Ryser is the Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement at University of the Cumberlands. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing and brand management, Dr. Ryser leads public relations, institutional advancement, and special events for the university. She also serves as the Assistant Secretary and liaison for the university’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Ryser joined the Cumberlands family in 2015, and previously served as the Director of University Communications and Marketing and Director of University Relations.
Prior to Cumberlands, Dr. Ryser worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., serving as the Deputy Press Secretary for U.S. Senate Leader Mitch McConnell and as Communications Director for U.S. Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers. In those roles, Dr. Ryser provided public relations services and promoted a wide variety of legislative initiatives while working closely with Kentucky and national media organizations, including the Associated Press, New York Times, and CNN.
Following her time in D.C., Dr. Ryser led communications and outreach efforts at The Creek Church, where she and her family are actively involved today. Dr. Ryser and her husband, Rocky, are the proud parents of one son, Ross.
Academic Credentials
University of the Cumberlands
Ph.D. in Leadership
University of the Cumberlands
M.B.A. with Marketing Emphasis
Western Kentucky University
B.A. in Mass Communications