Meet the Team
Jens-Kristian Kiel, Director of Communications
Jens-Kristian Kiel, a professional with a unique blend of German efficiency and American enthusiasm, has made a significant impact in advertising, marketing, and information technology. Originating from Western Germany, he brought his expertise to West Virginia in 2005. With over 30 years of experience, he has earned a solid reputation for his problem-solving skills and innovative solutions. His ability to consistently deliver outstanding results for his commercial clients has left a lasting impression on the industry.
In 2023, Jens shifted his focus to West Virginia State University, where he now serves as the Director of Agricultural Research and Extension Communications. This move is a testament to his commitment to creating value over simply generating revenue, a philosophy he shares with predecessors Matt Browning and Stacy Herrick.
Despite his business success, Jens is a family man with a wife who teaches in West Virginia and two adult sons in Germany. He enjoys various hobbies, such as watching movies, making music, writing blog posts and articles, learning about philosophy, exercising, grilling, and traveling. He speaks English and German fluently, studied Latin for seven years, and is improving his Spanish.
Jens has received several awards for his contributions to the West Virginia community, including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia Small Business Champion of the Year Award and, most recently, the Rising Star Award from the Association for Communication Excellence (ACE). His peers admire him for his leadership and positive influence. His accomplishments and dedication make him a great example of a meaningful life.
Alisha Jarrett, Writer/Editor
Alisha Jarrett is a West Virginia State University alumna, graduating with a B.S. in communications with an emphasis in public relations and an M.A. in media studies with an emphasis in digital media. She also led the WVSU Charles R. Byrd chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) as president for two terms in 2018 and received the PR Student of the Year Award.
Alisha has executed several successful public relations campaigns, including videography for Child Law Services and the Sissonville Trail of Horrors, both of which won Crystal Awards from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She was an active member of the WVSU chapters of the National Broadcasting Society (NBS) and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and proudly made the Dean’s List for five consecutive semesters.
Alisha joined the WVSU Agricultural Research & Extension Communications team as a writer and editor in May 2021 and is responsible for writing their leading annual publication, StateGrown magazine. Her feature story on an 1890 Scholarship recipient in the Winter 2023 issue was specially selected by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for national promotion on all social media platforms and channels. Writing has been her passion since childhood; she enjoys building a career doing what she loves.
As a devotee of the arts, she also enjoys singing, dancing, acting, making people laugh, trying new things, traveling, attending Zumba classes and cooking healthy recipes.
