Marcelle Fontenot, a local news anchor, was announced as the new chief communications officer for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. This was announced on March 10, just a few days into new University President Ramesh Kolluru’s term.
Fontenot will lead the Office of Communications and Marketing, overseeing the University’s strategic communications, media relations, marketing and digital engagement, among other duties. She will also serve as the primary communication advisor to university leadership, including the president.
As the University first began working on the structural deficit in the fall semester, the Office of Communications and Marketing was among the first to be impacted during layoffs.
In an announcement posted by the University, Kolluru said Fontenot’s extensive experience with the Lafayette community as a journalist will strengthen the University.
“Marcelle has spent her career informing and connecting the people of Acadiana,” Kolluru said. “She understands this community and the stories that matter here. Her experience as a journalist and her credibility with the public will help us share the University’s impact more effectively and strengthen our engagement with the communities we serve.”
Fontenot, an Opelousas native, has more than 20 years of experience in broadcast journalism in Acadiana. Over her career, she has covered major hurricanes, elections, city council, school board meetings and crimes.
Her work has earned numerous professional and community honors, including Associated Press awards for investigative and community affairs reporting.
She began her career as an intern at KATC-TV while attending Southern University and A&M College in 2001. In 2006, she was named the co-anchor of the 6 p.m. newscast and eventually began anchoring the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. casts as well.
In late 2023, Fontenot left KATC after nearly 20 years working there, citing corporate changes as the reason. In early 2024, she began as the main evening anchor at News 15, KATC’s direct competitor.
She is actively involved in the Acadiana community through organizations, including the Junior League of Acadiana, Acadiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana, where she served as a child advocate supporting youth development and mentorship.
In the University announcement, Fontenot described herself as a storyteller. “And UL Lafayette has an incredible story to tell — about the people who make this University special, the students who come here to pursue their dreams and the faculty and staff who support them every step of the way,” she said.