A Pawnee County native has returned to her hometown and is serving the whole community as the new marketing and communications director at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

Marie Norris, a Burdett native, has been getting to know her new colleagues and re-acquainting herself with the community. She recently returned from Fort Worth, Texas, where she earned two degrees at Texas Christian University.

“I am so happy to be home and working at the hospital and clinic,” Norris said. “The culture here at Pawnee Valley is great. Everyone is super friendly and supportive in this beautiful facility.

“The hospital is a big part of the solid foundation of Pawnee County. It is an honor and privilege to be here and I am eager to contribute in any way I can.”

While her job description is lengthy, the bottom line is “I want to ensure our message is heard throughout central Kansas. We offer a vast amount of services and I want to share this information with local and area media and the entire community.”

This includes participating in events such as the recent Larned Area Chamber of Commerce Fall Frenzy and the Women’s Expo in Great Bend. “These were my first events and l look forward to many more,” Norris commented.

Her short-term goals include learning more about the hospital and other entities in Pawnee County. “I then hope to work on some long-term goals with my colleagues and other members of our great community.”

Norris earned her bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in general business in 2019; she went on to graduate in 2021 with a master’s in business administration at TCU.

While at college, Norris played Division I tennis and served as team captain for four years. She also was assistant coaching coordinator for children at the Bayard Friedman Tennis Center.

Previous employment includes serving as business development operations specialist at Norris Propane Gas Co. in Burdett.

Melanie Urban, Pawnee Valley Campus administrator, said “Marie is already starting to build relationships in the hospital and throughout the community. She will play a big role in ensuring we do all we can to meet the needs and expectations of our community.”