Josh Underwood

Josh Underwood serves as Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Jacksonville State University, overseeing the University’s public relations, marketing, web and social media, creative services, photography and videography. He also leads presidential and executive communications, media relations, crisis communications, and major institutional announcements.

Underwood has more than 20 years of experience in higher education communications and has spent most of his career at Jax State. Before joining the President’s Office as Director of Public Relations in 2024, he spent 19 years in Jax State Athletics, including eight years as Associate Athletics Director for Media Relations. In that role, he directed media relations for the University’s varsity athletics programs, helped lead communications surrounding the football program’s transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision, and developed the framework for Jax State’s broadcast operations on ESPN+.

As Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Underwood leads the University’s efforts to coordinate institutional messaging, strengthen its reputation, and tell the Jax State story across internal and external audiences. He graduated with a degree in print journalism from Troy University and is a member of the Alabama Sportswriters Association Hall of Honor.