Jerad David, MBA

Jerad David serves as the Director of University Communications and Legislative Affairs in the Office of University Marketing & Communications at Nicholls State University. In this dual role, he directs strategic internal and external communications while managing the university's legislative outreach and relationships within the University of Louisiana System. In his communications capacity, Jerad oversees media relations, brand management, crisis communication, and storytelling initiatives designed to elevate Nicholls State's public presence. His legislative affairs responsibilities involve engaging with state policymakers, advocating for institutional priorities, and coordinating among stakeholders across the UL System.

Jerad has held several progressively responsible roles at Nicholls since joining in 2001, including public information specialist and assistant director in both University Printing and Design Services and University Marketing and Communications, before assuming his current position, first as director of marketing and communications (2017–2019), then as director of communications and legislative affairs since December 2019.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Geography from Nicholls State University in 2000. He briefly worked for an advertising agency before returning to campus, this time as an employee, and has spent nearly 25 years working to grow his alma mater. He returned to the classroom in Fall 2022 to earn a Master of Business Administration in 2024. 

Jerad has played major roles in shaping university-wide initiatives that support student success, and he also worked with the MarComm team to increase brand awareness at a time when community support was low. During times of crisis and reputation management, such as the pandemic, hurricanes, and budgetary constraints, Jerad proactively addresses issues while maintaining trust and institutional credibility. He serves as the 2025 Board Chair for the Lafourche Chamber of Commerce and has been the Vice President of the Board of Trustees for Bayou Community Academy, the college-preparatory charter school in Thibodaux, since 2017.

Jerad and his wife, Christy, have two children, a son, Hayden, majoring in Marine Biology at Nicholls, and a daughter, Sophie, who is a high school junior. They have one adorable Coton de Tulear pup, Biscuit; a miniature hamster named Hamelina; and countless marine creatures across three aquariums.