Marc C. Whitt
Veteran public relations professional and author of the critically-acclaimed books, 'When In Doubt, Make Applesauce! Core Habits of the Masterful Public Relations Professional' and 'PR Lessons Learned Along the Way: Strategies, Tips & Advice for the Higher Ed and Nonprofit Public Relations Professional.'
And check out Marc's third and newly-released book -
'TAKEAWAYS: Ideas, Strategies and Encouragement for the
Nonprofit Public Relations Professional!' - named the "#1 Amazon New Release in Marketing and Communications" and "#2 Amazon New Release in Public Relations!" Available in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle/digital formats: https://www.amazon.com/TAKEAWAYS-Strategies-Encouragement-Nonprofit-Professional-ebook/dp/B0F8P3W8NL.
About Marc C. Whitt
Marc C. Whitt is an award-winning public relations professional, bestselling author, and student-focused educator with four decades of experience in higher ed and nonprofit communication.
He is the author of two #1 Amazon bestsellers—‘When In Doubt, Make Applesauce! Core Habits of the Masterful Public Relations Professional’ and ‘PR Lessons Learned Along the Way’—both named to BookAuthority’s “100 Best PR Books of All Time” and honored with Goody Business Book Awards. His third book, ‘TAKEAWAYS: Ideas, Strategies and Encouragement for the Nonprofit Public Relations Professional’ was released in Aug. 2025, and immediately became a #1 Amazon New Release in Marketing & Communications and #2 New Release in PR, the 2025 Goody Business Books Award Winner in Marketing: Communications & PR, and a Google 2026 recommended read in PR.
Marc is a columnist for Strategic Magazine, a global platform for communication industry leaders, and has been recognized as a Social Impact Author for his contributions to public relations thought leadership and education.
He is the recipient of the PRSA East Central District Platinum Award for distinguished service, the James C. Bowling Excellence in Public Relations Award, CASE Kentucky’s Beth K. Fields Award for leadership in advancement, and the Distinguished Alumni Awards presented by the Eastern Kentucky University Department of Communication and Paintsville (Kentucky) High School Alumni Association.
As Director of Media and Strategic Relations at the University of Kentucky, Marc cultivates relations and partnerships with media and community stakeholders to elevate the university’s mission and share its stories in academics, research, and healthcare. His role involves close collaboration with editors, news directors, reporters, writers, general managers, and civic leaders to ensure strategic alignment and meaningful impact.
Marc also teaches in the UK College of Communication & Information’s Department of Integrated Strategic Communication, where he mentors the next generation of PR professionals. Across his career, he has remained deeply committed to servant leadership, ethical practice, relationship-building and collaboration.
He currently serves on the boards of the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter, the Christian Appalachian Project, Friends of the Madison Community Band, and the Kentucky Baptist Foundation.
Marc and his wife Jennifer are the parents of Emily Fields (Mark), Elizabeth Whitt Muncie (Christian), Jacob (Ashton Jernigan), and grandparents to four grandblessings: Annaleigh, Aubrey, Hayden, and Sarah.
"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."
Robert Louis Stevenson
Let's Connect!
Public Relations. Marketing Communications. Servant Leadership. Nonprofit PR/Community Relations. Town and Gown Relations. Performing Arts Advocacy.
"I love God. I love my family - my wife, three children, two sons-by-marriage, one daughter-by-marriage, four grandblessings, and three granddogs.
"I seek to serve others first and try to make a difference for them through mentoring, teaching, and encouragement.
"My professional calling is Public Relations, where, for 40 years, I’ve passionately served in higher education. I’m currently a proud member of the University of Kentucky community. (Go Cats!)
I enjoy listening to and making music - especially wind band, jazz, classical, and classic rock (for the record - my favorite band of all time is CHICAGO). For more than 50 years I’ve played trumpet and for the past 15 years, played in an 80-member community band — the Madison Community Band. I enjoy advocating for community arts programs.
"Beyond that, I’m simply an ordinary guy who’s been blessed by many people and many experiences. And for these things, I’m deeply grateful.
"If you enjoy discussing public relations, higher education, nonprofits, servant leadership, town and gown relations, performing and community arts, or life in Kentucky, Appalachia or the South, let’s connect! I'd enjoy learning more about you." - Marc
