Focus on Laura Gibson Owens

Catchin’ Up with Laura Gibson Owens

LauraGibsonOwens - collage

Class Year: 1997
Major at MC:  Psychology
Senior Thesis Topic: Dating Violence on College Campuses
Current Town/City of Residence: Alcoa, Tennessee
Occupation: Production Manager, Mary Beth West Communications 
Family: Husband – Casey Owens; Father – former MC President, Daughter – Annabelle (coming July 2015); Gerald Gibson; Mother – Rachel Gibson; Sister – Holly Yalove; Nieces – (Holly’s children) – Alex and Maddie; Brother – Paul Gibson (MC Class of 2000); Sister-in-Law – Amanda Smeltzer Gibson (MC Class of 2001)

After graduating I began working as a relationship manager at a major credit card processing company. I left there to pursue my marketing dream at a not-for-profit professional association. I then moved on to be the eCommerce Manager at Maggie Bags. In 2012-13, I earned my certificate in Social Media Marketing from the University of Tennessee and my certification in Inbound Marketing from HubSpot. In October 2014, I joined Mary Beth West Communications as the Production Manager.

In my role as Production Manager, I enjoy working with clients, brainstorming with my team and acting as an internal agency liaison with all departments in an effort to keep projects on time and on budget. Most days I am putting together timelines, working with staff on creative problem-solving, obtaining estimates and procuring services from third party vendors.

Though I haven’t been in my current role for long, I’ve had the opportunity to work on several campaigns for United Way of Greater Knoxville. In working with United Way, I’ve learned so much more about the lives they touch through the agencies they support. It’s been rewarding to see them succeed in their fundraising goals because I now know how many people benefit from their financial support.

I’ve been practicing yoga for over 7 years and truly enjoy the balance and awareness that brings to my everyday life. I also enjoy reading – no one can pry my Kindle away from me! My most favorite “hobby,” however, is spending time with my two smart nieces.

Because of my liberal arts education, I’ve been able to quickly adapt to changing work environments.

I made such dear friends at MC and I’m so thankful for that! Probably my best memory was Spring Fling ’97.

…encourages students to pursue their dreams!

At right, Laura with her husband, Casey Owens, on her own, and a wedding day photo of Laura and her father, Gerald Gibson, MC College President 1993-2010.

Laura and her nieces, Alex and Maddie.

Laura Gibson Owens ’97

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Focus on Alumni, is a Q&A-style profile of an alumnus or alumna of Maryville College. If you have recommendations for alumni on whom we should “focus,” please email those names to Carol Clark in Alumni Affairs. Alumni Profile Archive