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Jennifer L. Garr, Topical Studies B.S. '86

2018 Hall of Fame inducteeJennifer L. Garr is a native of Louisville, Ky. Early in her sophomore year at UK, mentored by Professor Robert A. Baker, she chose the path of topical studies with an emphasis in art therapy, and graduated with a B.S. in 1986. Garr’s activities at UK ranged from a semester as staff artist for the “Kentucky Kernel” to public relations director for the UK Student Center Board, and positions such as Little Kentucky Derby program chairman; UK delegate, National Entertainment and College Activities Association; Panhellenic representative for her sorority, Delta Delta Delta; and art teacher/art club sponsor at Blackburn Correctional Complex.

Garr’s intellectual curiosity, analytical skills and drive propelled her into the world of business at Brown & Williamson International, followed by rigorous training at the legendary advertising company Leo Burnett in Chicago. Garr has been a part of executive management teams leading the evolution and reimagining of the branding and communications industry at some of the world’s top global agencies, including J. Walter Thompson, Publicis, Ammirati Puris Lintas, Interbrand and most recently Ogilvy & Mather.

Garr has led brand strategy and communications initiatives for some of the biggest and most successful brands in the world, including Quaker, Nabisco, Seven-Up, Philip Morris, Whirlpool, Fujifilm, Thomson/RCA, Sony, Marriott International, Thomson-Reuters, and UBS. Her assignments have reached well beyond the key U.S. business centers of Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to international venues such as London, Paris, Zurich, Vienna, Munich, Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.

Garr has devoted much time and energy to advocating for women and children. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Junior League, The Northwestern Hospital Auxiliary and the Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Girl Scouts. Most recently, she has added the role of adjunct professor to her resume in the Marketing Department of the School of Business at the College of Charleston. She also sits on the Advisory Board to the College of Charleston’s Entrepreneurial program.

Garr and her husband, Steve Gregg, continue to pursue their professional careers from their newly renovated home on a beach just outside Charleston, S.C.