Director of Communications
Layla Dowdy
123 West Franklin Street, Suite 600B
Layla Dowdy develops communication strategies and tactics for the OVCR that promote the impact of UNC-Chapel Hill’s $1.5 billion research enterprise to external and internal audiences. She also leads the Office of Research Communications in their charge to increase awareness of Carolina’s research accomplishments through a variety of media, including the University’s research magazine UNC Research Stories. Additionally, Dowdy serves on the steering team for the implementation of the Research Roadmap, the strategic plan for UNC Research, and oversees the annual, pan-campus University Research Week celebration.
Prior to joining Carolina in 2014, Layla Dowdy worked for NASA at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., where she managed strategic communications for the Space Technology Mission Directorate. Before transferring to headquarters, she served as a public affairs specialist at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center during the last years of the Space Shuttle Program and afterwards during a time of transition for the nation’s space program and the local economy.
She holds a Master of Business Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology, as well as a master’s in integrated marketing communication and a bachelor’s in public relations from Florida State University.
Administrative Staff
Jordan Hill provides administrative support to Layla Dowdy.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 919-962-9041