Aariel Charbonnet, a New Orleans native, has returned home to begin her new position as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Loyola. She graduated from Ben Franklin High School before obtaining her bachelor’s degree from Hampton University in Virginia.
“Growing up, I knew I wanted to tell stories,” Charbonnet said, “I had a knack for writing, and I enjoyed learning more about people. I listen more than I talk, so this led me to a career in the journalism and communications field.”
It wasn’t until graduate school at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge that Charbonnet realized she loved being on a college campus. She enjoyed working in the academic field and wanted to combine her passion for storytelling with communicating the value of academics and college students.
After receiving her master’s in mass communications, she went on to earn her PhD in higher education administration.
As the director of communications at LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communications, Charbonnet was involved in everything from media relations and website development to news releases and donor relations.
“I was surrounded by PR, journalism, digital advertising, and political communication students and faculty who knew a lot about the field we were in, so my job was really exciting,” Charbonnet said.
In October 2024, Charbonnet was promoted to assistant dean of strategy at the LSU Manship School. There, she expanded her expertise to cultivate strategy initiatives, conduct assessments, and manage accreditation reports, among other responsibilities. She oversaw every aspect of the school’s internal and external communications.
When Charbonnet was a child, she attended a summer camp at Loyola and was moved by the campus. Last year, when her current position at Loyola became available, she thought it would be a great opportunity to combine her love for both Loyola and New Orleans while giving back to the place she loves.
“I plan to approach this with fresh eyes,” she said. “Although I have experience and higher education knowledge, Loyola has a unique identity that I love, and it’s what drew me here. My approach will be to understand Loyola from an insider’s perspective.”
Charbonnet said she felt an immediate connection with Loyola’s marketing and communications team. The sense of belonging means a lot to her, especially when there is mutual respect and expertise.
In her new position, Charbonnet intends to lead with kindness and clarity.
“One of my favorite quotes is ‘Clear is kind,’ by Brené Brown,” she said. “I never want someone I’m working with to not be fully present. I try to always give everyone the benefit of the doubt.”
Charbonnet is eager and excited to begin her position and bring a new perspective to the Loyola community.
“I am approaching this position with the gravity it warrants,” she said. “I take my work seriously, and I plan to do my best to tell Loyola’s story in the most robust, powerful, and engaging way that allows Loyola’s identity to shine.”
