A marketing expert swapped global brands for a graduate degree at Georgia Southern

Promise Oti-Okardie’s journey to Georgia Southern University began while she was managing marketing campaigns at a leading digital marketing agency in Nigeria. Although she enjoyed working with major global brands, she realized she needed to make the transition from execution to leadership.

“I wanted to be equipped not only to communicate effectively, but also to lead with intention, make meaningful decisions and create environments where people can thrive,” she explained.

Oti-Okardie’s passion for communication and its impact on people, organizations and culture led her to pursue a Master of Arts in Georgia Southern’s Professional Communication and Leadership program. Raised in Nigeria as the eldest of five children, she assumed responsibility early, whether helping her siblings or organizing household projects.

“Growing up in that environment taught me to connect with different personalities, handle challenges and truly value relationships,” Oti-Okardie said. “Looking back, those experiences shaped how I show up today and how I think about leadership and community.”

After moving thousands of miles from her home country, the graduate student found a new community on the Statesboro Campus. She attended various student activities and events organized by the Office of Student Activities and International Student Admission and Programs. She also joined the Nigerian Student Association and served as its social director.

“Being part of that community was important to me because it gave me a sense of belonging and allowed me to stay connected to my culture while sharing it with others,” she said. “It created a space where I could build relationships, celebrate identity and feel at home even while being far away.” 

As a graduate assistant in the Office of Institutional Engagement, Oti-Okardie supported University employee engagement initiatives. The experience allowed her to apply what she was learning in real time, from planning events to analyzing data and creating programs to enhance the employee experience.

Some of her favorite University memories include participating in initiatives through the Office of Institutional Engagement, such as supporting the launch of the REACH for Southern Scholars program. Another important moment was assisting with the University Awards of Excellence, and she especially values the memory of taking a picture with University President Kyle Marrero.

“It may seem like a small moment, but it felt like a full-circle moment for me because it reflected how involved I had become and how connected I felt to the Georgia Southern community,” she said.

Oti-Okardie credits the University with providing her with a strong foundation in communications and leadership. Beyond the classroom’s real-world applications, she cherishes the memory of her late mentor, Department of Communication Arts Professor Pamela Bourland-Davis.

“Dr. Bourland-Davis had the most impact on me,” she acknowledged. “I genuinely enjoyed her class and learned so much not only from the course content but also from her experiences and her approach to leadership and life. She inspired me to become a more thoughtful, people-centered leader, and her impact on me is something I will carry for a long time.”

As she prepares to graduate, Oti-Okardie said she is proud of maintaining a strong GPA while balancing her responsibilities as a graduate assistant and adjusting to life in a new country. She is also grateful for the scholarships that supported her education and enabled her to graduate. She is confident about her next chapter.

“This experience helped me gain clarity about who I am, what I value and the direction I want my life and career to take,” said Oti-Okardie. “My long-term goal is to grow into an executive leadership role that helps shape strategy, culture and organizational impact. I am particularly interested in roles that sit at the intersection of communication, people and business strategy. I want to be part of building organizations that are not only successful but also intentional in how they engage people, make decisions and create value.”

As the first in her family to earn a master’s degree, Oti-Okardie attributes her accomplishment to the support and sacrifices her loved ones provided along the way. 

“It means a lot to them to see me pursue my goals and create new opportunities,” she said, adding that they will feel proud, happy and fulfilled once her diploma is in hand.