Say Yes

By Rachel P. Farrell | Published September 2026

Mariana Agathoklis Schlock (COM’03) holds a number of impressive titles. She’s a Fortune 50 communications executive. She’s the founder of a New York City-based strategic communications consultancy. She’s the former chief communications officer of Verizon Consumer, former vice president of communications at MTV, and current Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at Zayo Group.

And now, Mariana has another title to add to her CV: Inaugural cochair of the 1839 Society. Amid starting her term with Amanda Barone (CAS’17, Questrom’17), Mariana explains how Boston University jump-started her career and why supporting it remains a priority for her and her husband, Tim Schlock (Questrom’03), even as they lead dynamic careers and raise two boys in New York.

How would you describe your experience in COM?

I had the best experience in the College of Communication. At the time, Brent Baker was dean and Marilyn Root was associate dean, and they were such wonderful mentors who positioned students for success. They made us feel like we were actually working in the field of communications, not just participating in academic exercises. I really liked that.

As a student, what were your professional goals?

I showed up to the College of Communication with a real intention to do public relations. My dream job at that point was to be White House Press Secretary. Over the course of four years, not only did I hone that skill set, but I found internship opportunities in Boston that couldn’t be beat. I wanted to be in the action, and Boston was a perfect place to do that.

In what ways did COM prepare you for your career?

I think it placed me well ahead of others. The College of Communication really taught us how to think, how to write, and how to use tools that were advanced at the time. By the time I graduated, I knew how to build a web page, edit videos and audio, and be a spokesperson on camera. I also had a reel that I could show employers. I felt like I was ready to hit the ground running.

You’ve been a loyal donor to BU since 2003. What has compelled you to give back?

BU set me up for a career that, so far, has been an amazing ride. After I graduated, I started my career in D.C. on K Street, where I learned that politics was better left as a passion for me than a profession. Then I moved to New York, worked at an agency for a short stint, and found myself at MTV. I stayed at MTV for 13 years, where I had experiences people could only dream of. I got to work with the surviving members of the Beatles, and I got to be privy to some of the biggest moments in pop culture. Eventually, that led me to Verizon, which continued to feed my professional spirit while allowing me to build a family and life that I’m proud of. Now, I’m running my own strategic communications consultancy, MAS Joy Strategies LLC.

I really view Boston University as one of the key ingredients to my journey, and I think it’s important to support students who are on that journey now. I’m a big believer in paying it forward. In the years since I’ve graduated, I’m so impressed with how BU has continued to evolve. It’s very cool to remain a part of it.

Why did you and Tim decide to establish a scholarship for COM students?

In college, I had the benefit of having parents who were able to financially support me, and I was able to graduate without debt. My husband had the opposite experience; he paid for his education himself and had to put himself through undergraduate and graduate school. We both felt strongly that one of the greatest gifts you can give a student upon graduation is financial freedom. A scholarship is something we believe more alumni should consider supporting.

What inspired you to become cochair of the 1839 Society?

One of the coolest things about being a BU graduate is the alumni network. We have some of the most preeminent communicators across every functional area of communications in the country and world. So, when I accepted this role with the 1839 Society, my reason was twofold: One, I wanted to help strengthen the alumni network and keep our community connected. Two, I wanted to support the College of Communication and its mission. About a year ago, I had the benefit of coming to campus and learning about the work BU is doing in data science and AI and how that’s going to impact the communications field moving forward.

Can you say more about your impressions of this work at BU?

I think BU has done a very good job of staying at the cutting edge. And I think that is only going to increase in importance over time. Mariette DiChristina, dean of COM, has a super interesting approach to AI. Her policy is that students can use AI, but they need to show every iteration of their process that leads to the final product. Like the dean says, we need to take the right approach when using AI to connect dots, ask questions, and make work better. Developing those skillsets will make Boston University graduates the preeminent employees of the future.

How might you encourage your fellow alums to stay connected to BU?

I think sometimes people get in a headspace of, “I don’t have time for this right now. I’ve got a lot of other stuff going on.” I say, do what you can in that moment of time. If it’s just making a small donation, it’s worth it. If it’s supporting a bigger scholarship, it’s worth it. If it’s making an endowment, it’s worth it. If it’s just volunteering your time, offering to be a mentor, or responding to a BU graduate who reaches out on LinkedIn, it’s worth it. Just say yes.

Learn more about the 1839 Society

Editor’s note: Interview has been edited for length and clarity.