Press Release
Peru State College has announced the appointment of Shawnna Silvius as the new Director of Marketing and Communications.
A seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in community and economic development, marketing and event planning, and municipal leadership, Silvius brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and deep-rooted passion to her new role.
As Director of Marketing and Communications, Silvius serves as the College’s chief communications strategist.
She will oversee the planning, management, coordination, and creation of all marketing, branding, and public/media relations initiatives.
Her efforts will be instrumental in supporting the College’s mission to grow enrollment, increase public awareness and support, and further elevate Peru State’s visibility and reputation locally, regionally and nationally.
Silvius’s role will also encompass crisis-communication management, special event coordination, and strategic messaging across all platforms to ensure a cohesive and impactful presence for the institution.
Additionally, with her government and development experience, she will serve as a liaison between the college and the City of Peru helping to build stronger relations with the community.
A proud alumna of Peru State College, Silvius earned her master’s degree in organizational management with a focus on Economic Development and Entrepreneurship in 2012.
A recipient of the 2025 Thousand Oaks Graduate Alumni Excellence Award, she was recognized for her notable career, longstanding commitment to life-long learning, and generous acts of service.
“I’m honored and excited to return to the institution that has been so instrumental in my own professional journey,” said Silvius. “Peru State College gave me the tools and inspiration to expand and accelerate my career. I look forward to contributing to Peru State’s continued growth and success.”
In addition to her marketing and development background, Silvius is completing her fourth year and second term as Mayor of the City of Red Oak, Iowa where she is also concluding her service on both the Iowa League of Cities Board and the Iowa Mayors Association Executive Committee.
Through her leadership—both locally and at the state level—she has been diligently ensuring advocacy, policy making, grant administration, and long-range regional planning to guarantee recognition for southwest Iowa and her community.
This layer of expertise further equips Silvius to bring even more to the future of Peru State College and the region.
“Having served in a municipal leadership role, I’ve also gained a deep appreciation for strategic communication, community engagement, visionary and collaborative problem-solving,” Silvius said. “These opportunities have prepared me well for this next chapter at Peru, where I can merge my community, economic development and public service perspectives with my passion for marketing, event planning, higher education, and talent engagement.”
Silvius began her marketing career in 1996 in Kearney and turned her focus to development in 2004 in Nebraska City with the local economic development corporation.
These deep ties to the region and demonstrated leadership make her uniquely suited to guide Peru State and a small department’s comprehensive marketing and communication initiatives.
The Collegiate Leadership Team expressed great enthusiasm about Silvius joining the team.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Shawnna back to Peru State,” said College Interim President Dr. Wendy Waugh. “Her professional experience, visionary leadership, and personal connection to the College make her an ideal choice to lead our communications strategy during this exciting time of growth.”
With Silvius at the helm of marketing and communications, Peru State College is poised to reach new heights in outreach, engagement, and academic distinction.
