Successful Methods of Engaging the

University PR Office with the Folks at Home!

6th Annual University/City Relations Conference

University of Colorado-BoulderMarc C. Whitt, Presenter

Successful Methods of Engaging the University PR Office with the Folks at Home!

Bridging the Town & Gown Communications Gap

Seizing Opportunities to Communicate & Collaborate

Engaging With the Community

Bridging the Town & Gown

Communications Gap

Life has become much more complicated for

the university PR person!

Once upon a time…Prepared News ReleasesWrote, Edited & Designed PublicationsPlaced AdvertisingOrganized Special EventsManaged Photography Assignments

Today’s Higher Ed PR World… Write and Respond to Hundreds of Emails Per Day Update Social Media Sites 2-3 Times Per Day Attend Several On-Campus Meetings Throughout the Day Put Out PR Fires Prepare Positioning Statements for the President Respond to Media During Campus Crises Maintain Consistent & Frequent Communication with Faculty & Staff Maintain Consistent & Frequent Communication with Students and Student Organizations Maintain Consistent & Frequent Communication with Governing Board Maintain Consistent & Frequent Communication with Alumni Maintain Consistent & Frequent Communication with Media Maintain Consistent & Frequent Communication with Legislative Leaders Respond to Early Morning Calls from Media that Work on a 24/7 News Cycle Organize Special Events Manage Institutional Identity/Branding Oversee Licensing Issues and Agreements Manage Photography Assignments Prepare Print & Electronic Newsletters Prepare Print & Electronic Media Kits Request & Organize Editorial Board Meetings for President Manage University-Wide Marketing Projects/Campaigns Attend More Meetings Prepare News Releases Come to Work Early and Leave Late Respond to Phone Messages on Office Land Line Respond to Phone Messages on Cell Phone Attend Professional Development Conferences Manage Issues And “All Other Duties as Assigned!”

It’s no wonder this has now become the PR person’s survival tool of choice!

Seizing Opportunities to Communicate &

Collaborate

Never underestimate the importance of the folks at home! They supported you first!

CASE Community Relations Survey• 230 respondents/2,8oo surveyed with

Community Relations involvement

• Stewarding donation; promoting lecture series; organizing a day of service in city; reviewing & awarding grants to local nonprofits.; packing/ mailing university sweatshirts to high school graduation events typical

• 2/3 surveyed don’t have “Community Relations” in title

• No common office: PR & Marketing, Alumni, Development, General Administrative

• Community relations is strategic, has institution-wide impact

• Public institutions: government, economic development tie-ins

• Private institutions: fundraising, development-centered

SOURCE: Mark Kembell, Office of the Dean, Oregon Health & Science School of Medicine, Council for Advancement & Support of Education, April 2009

Eastern Kentucky UniversityExamples of Engaging the PR Operation

Southern Growth Policies Board Community Forum

http://www.youtube.com/powerofmaroon#p/search/1/_yH1FKc7l7g

Direct & Indirect Results of Community ForumFebruary 2011 will mark 5th year

Best attended community forum in South past 4 years

Madison County youth engaged in dialogue with community leaders, vice versa

Madison County Superintendent’s Teen Task Force expanded

Ongoing efforts to support what will become Madison County’s FIRST comprehensive economic development plan!

Cost? Nearly Nothing!

Results? Priceless.

Additional EKU PR InvolvementsRichmond Chamber of Commerce

Richmond & Berea Chambers of Commerce Annual Leadership Trip

Commerce Lexington Regional Public Policy Group

Bluegrass Tomorrow

EKU Center for the Arts Board (ex officio)

International Town & Gown Association (City of Richmond/Eastern Kentucky University)

Service Region Chambers of Commerce

Engaging with CommunityBe Smart. Be Targeted. Use Time Well.

And Make Things Happen!

No need to be the Lone Ranger…

You have some good people ready to be by your side!

Become a trusted partner who helps break down silos…

…without causing train

wrecks!

If you see an opportunity, step up and make it your job.

Be level-headed…

…and don’t stir up hornets. Your President and University don’t need it!

Keep your local media well-informed and involved in the life of your institution. That includes the not-so-good news, too!

Do more listening and less talking. You’ll learn more.

Become a Cheer LEADER for your

Community & University!

Provide wise counsel for your President as you put your heads together to solve issues & generate ideas!

Make a difference in someone’s life.

Stand for Truth, Justice & the ITGA Way!

Questions? Comments? Ideas?

Prepared and Presented by Marc C. Whitt, Associate Vice President for Public Relations & Chief Communications Officer, Eastern Kentucky University, ©2011, International Town & Gown Association, Inc.