Utah State University's Marketing and Communications department oversees digital strategy and analytics, public relations and marketing, as well as student marketing and communications. The departments likely originated during the early 1950’s.

Utah State University's public relations and development strategies first began following the publication of the Report of a Survey of Utah State Agricultural College, also called the Kelly Report, in 1953. The report focused on the use of State funding and resulted in administrative reform at USU, leading to several new administrative roles, including the Director of Public Information and College Development. The Public Information and College Development program oversaw several university operations, publications, information services, the alumni associations, the development fund, and high school relations. This program is likely the precursor to both the Marketing and Communications department and University Advancement.