From PepsiCo to Providence College – Meet New Marketing Faculty Kelli McCusker
This year, the Providence College School of Business introduced Kelli McCusker, a new visiting assistant professor of marketing. McCusker is an accomplished individual with 33 years of experience working at some of the most recognizable brands: PepsiCo, the Campbell’s Company, Boston Beer Company, Cannondale Sports Group, and Crocs, Inc. McCusker is teaching first-year students Principles of Marketing and will be teaching a marketing elective, Brand Marketing, in the spring. At PC Business, students are fortunate to be able to learn from renowned faculty who have experience in the field they are studying.
Kelli McCusker, new marketing faculty member
Why the Providence College School of Business?
From the moment that McCusker connected with the community at PC, she felt welcomed and accepted. McCusker’s journey to Providence College began with a recommendation from a former colleague of hers. She expressed how he spoke positively about the school, the program, and the student body. She valued the positive intent for creating a comprehensive and meaningful growth environment for the students rooted in the Dominican tradition and values Providence College upholds. As McCusker put it, “one can literally feel warmth, caring, rigor, and curiosity on this campus.”
From PepsiCo to the Classroom
McCusker’s marketing journey began with an internship early on in her career. That internship not only established her passion for marketing, but the foundation she would then apply to grow and thrive over the next 33 years.
She spent the first 16 years of her career at PepsiCo in the beverages division, where she worked with and learned from some of the hardest-working and most creative individuals in the industry. She values PepsiCo for reinforcing continuous education, its strategic training, results orientation and leadership development which broadened her marketing and leadership capabilities. From there, she spent the next 17 years of her career expanding knowledge and experience across different business models and industries including private equity, retail, services, direct to consumer and additional CPG (Consumer Product Goods). Naturally curious, this lifelong “student of Marketing” appreciates the continuous learning and agility the dynamic discipline of Marketing provides. Now, she brings this real-world perspective directly to students.s.
Planting the Seeds for Student Success
As a new professor in the business school this year, McCusker has a personal mission to teach and send her students into the business world with a strong understanding of how important Marketing and Brand Building is to a company’s success. McCusker places a strong emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of marketing and how it impacts not only marketing students but also those studying finance, accounting, management, and beyond. In her experience, many functions in business and in the C-Suite don’t always fully understand or value what marketing adds to an organization. She shares the downside effect: only roughly 10% of CEOs and 5% of board members have a marketing background, yet marketing is often a significant business investment. “If Providence College graduates enter the business world with a deep understanding of Marketing, it will drive increased success for them and for their companies,” she said. As a teacher, she aims to take her experience and impact the future of all PC Business students.
Momentum and Meaning Within the Providence College School of Business
As McCusker has taken on a new role, she shares that what excites her most about joining the business school is its forward-thinking energy. She was impressed by how the business school is leaning-in to the changing dynamics impacting business, academics, and the world. McCusker’s approach thus far has been impactful on her students and herself as she observes how Providence Business School evolves strategically while staying true to its core values. “What is admirable is how Providence lives and reinforces its values rooted in reason and faith, veritas, academic excellence, community and service,” she said. “The business school has leadership and faculty who are thoughtful and strategic, focused on shaping the school, its faculty and students for the future.”
One Piece of Career Advice
McCusker shares with her students to seek to work in an environment where you are surrounded by people who:
- You can learn from.
- You are inspired by.
- Challenge you.
- Genuinely care about your success in work and in life.
- Have a good sense of humor.
- Do the right thing.
When you work and surround yourself with great people, you are set up to thrive — professionally and personally, she said.
McCusker’s passion reflects the heart of the Providence College School of Business’ community. Students are learning from real experience — they aren’t just studying it; they are learning how to lead and thrive.
