Chantell Cosner is an experienced communication professional with over a decade of experience in the higher education and nonprofit sectors. She currently serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications for Washington State University’s Spokane campus, leading an in-house team. In this role, Chantell oversees the development and execution of comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that align with the university’s land-grant mission and strategic goals.

In addition to her professional work, Chantell is a PhD candidate at Gonzaga University in the School of Leadership Studies, focusing on the intersection of leadership, organizations, and creativity. Her research explores how organizations can foster cultures of creativity and innovation to advance marketing and communications practices—particularly within higher education and other mission-driven sectors.

Although Chantell never imagined she would become both a marketing and communications director and a PhD student, her journey has been shaped by a deep desire to understand the human side of organizational success. After earning a Master of Strategic Communication from Washington State University in 2019, she realized that effective communication goes beyond strategy and tactics—it’s about understanding people and the organizational systems that nurture creativity.

Having worked in creative teams at all levels, Chantell has firsthand experience with the challenges communications practitioners and leaders face within complex organizations. She is passionate about providing insights and strategies to help build creative teams and bold leaders, ensuring that institutions can forge meaningful connections with the communities they serve.