About Marisa pEAcock

I am a social media strategist, educator, and researcher whose work sits at the intersection of digital marketing, inclusive design, and emerging technologies. I am a Senior Lecturer in the Charles H. Sandage Department of Advertising at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, where I teach courses in digital content strategy, social media management, public relations, and artificial intelligence in advertising. In my role, I also lead the Sandage Social Media Lab, an experiential learning initiative that connects students with real-world clients to develop data-driven communication strategies.

What do I do?

I am the founder and chief strategist of Strategic Peacock, a consultancy established in 2010 that partners with nonprofits, small businesses, and educational institutions to design and implement effective digital marketing and social media strategies. My professional practice emphasizes aligning audience insights with platform-specific communication to enhance organizational visibility and engagement.

With over a decade of experience in marketing and communications, I have developed expertise in web, social media, and multimedia strategy across diverse sectors, including independent schools and mission-driven organizations. I am also an active speaker and presenter, regularly contributing to national and international conferences on topics such as customer experience, digital strategy, and the evolving role of social media in organizational communication.

My current research is grounded in her pursuit of a Master of Fine Arts in Design for Responsible Innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign. My work focuses on integrating inclusive design principles into advertising education, with particular attention to fostering digital accessibility and equity in teaching practices. My contributions to teaching and mentorship have been recognized with multiple institutional awards, including honors for excellence in undergraduate instruction and student impact, reflecting my commitment to innovative pedagogy and student success.

I hold a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mount Holyoke College..

Scroll back to top