Austin Harris

Austin Harris serves as Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Client Services at KU Alumni and Jayhawk Community Partners, where he leads teams responsible for articulating the impact of the University of Kansas and its alumni while connecting corporate partners to a global network of Jayhawks. His work centers on building meaningful, revenue-generating partnerships through strategic marketing and sponsorship assets that elevate both brand and mission. Known for his collaborative and resilient leadership style, Austin focuses not only on bringing people together, but on developing processes and structures that create lasting impact well beyond any individual contribution.

Throughout his career in the nonprofit and education sectors, including formative work with the Kansas Association of School Boards, Austin has been driven by a desire to expand opportunity through education. At KU, he has played a key role in strengthening alignment across the university ecosystem, working closely with partners such as KU Endowment and Jayhawk Community Partners. His leadership has helped launch the university’s flagship Crimson & Blue magazine, deepen collaboration in revenue-generating strategies, and advance the integration of business development efforts across organizations. At the core of his work is a commitment to diversifying and growing revenue streams that sustain and enhance the KU experience for future generations of students.

A lifelong Kansan, Austin grew up in Tonganoxie and now lives in Overland Park with his wife, Kelsi, a middle school Spanish teacher. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors — whether hiking, golfing, or finding their way to a lake or beach — and have a shared passion for landscaping and creating inviting outdoor spaces at home. When the weather turns colder, they love hosting friends and family for meals and game nights. Austin is an avid home renovator and hands-on builder, recently finishing their basement and crafting a custom kitchen spice rack. Whether at work or at home, he brings the same mindset: invest in what matters, build with intention, and create spaces where people can connect and thrive.