SimpsonScarborough is pleased to announce the selection of four CASE SimpsonScarborough Scholars for 2015. Launched in 2009 in honor of our late founding partner Christopher Simpson, the program supports the professional development of promising higher ed marcomm practitioners. This year’s scholars, chosen from 27 nominees, are:
Kevin Bersett, copy editor/writer
Illinois State University
Kevin was nominated for his impressive work for ISU’s alumni magazine, as well as his strong work ethic and determination to continue growing his skill set—for example, pushing himself to use multiple media to tell stories and increasing his social media expertise. University Marketing/Communications executive director Brian Beam and associate director Susan Blystone both specifically commented on Kevin’s work covering the biology department’s study abroad trip to Costa Rica—writing the cover story for the alumni magazine, shooting photos and video, blogging about the trip and compiling photo, video and sound files for use in social media. You can see some of Kevin’s work on ISU’s Stories website and the @ISUResearch Twitter feed he manages.
“It is an honor to be accepted for such a selective program. I’m looking forward to gaining access to CASE’s resources, including the InfoCenter, and attending the summer institute. I think this opportunity will be a boon to me and to my employer, Illinois State University.”
Shana Heinricy, director of marketing and communications
Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park, Florida
Shana previously worked as a professor and researcher of communication, publishing 11 research articles and presenting 26 conference papers on public communication. As an executive board officer of the Women’s Division of the National Communication Association, she mentored young women communication scholars. Although Shana comes from a different area of communications work, Carolyn Wisniewski, director of development at Trinity Preparatory, nominated her because she sees Shana as a potential leader, one who would take full advantage of the opportunities the SimpsonScholarship program would offer her. Follow @shanaheinricy on Twitter.
“I’m so honored and excited to be a SimpsonScarborough Scholar. This program will provide access to the tools, resources and mentors that I need to grow in communications in the education sector. It feels wonderful that a prestigious organization like SimpsonScarborough is investing in my future.”
Jessie McHeffey, advancement communications associate
Stony Brook University
Elizabeth Craz, advancement communications director at Stony Brook, recommended Jessie for her work over the past two and a half years, noting that she has “developed into an accomplished communications professional with a particular interest in and talent for developing and delivering content for electronic and social media channels.” Among Jessie’s many responsibilities are alumni and donor communications, website development and maintenance, copy editing, and print production. Follow her @jessmcheff on Twitter.
“It is an honor to be included among this talented group of advancement communications professionals, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from others who share my passion for communications. As a member of the Stony Brook University advancement communications team, I love sharing the compelling stories of our students, alumni and donors each day, and I feel honored to have this opportunity to grow as a storyteller and digital communicator. As Stony Brook embarks upon a comprehensive campaign, I am thankful to CASE and SimpsonScarborough for access to all of these wonderful resources and for all the knowledge I will gain from these thought leaders and pioneers in higher education communications.”
Nicole Smith, digital media specialist
Drake University
Nicole began her career with Drake in 2013 in the Office of Alumni and Development, where she started the University’s Social Media Ambassador program, communicating with and training alumni to be ambassadors for the university on social media. She also helped lead digital efforts for Drake’s All-In 24-hour online giving campaign. Now a digital media specialist in the Office of University Communications, Nicole develops and executes strategy for Drake’s top-level social media accounts and works to coordinate efforts across campus. Explore Drake’s social media library and follow @njobst on Twitter.
“By nature, working in the higher education industry ensures you are constantly learning. What attracted me to the SimpsonScarborough Scholarship is that this personal development opportunity for me will ultimately advance the image and reputation of Drake University. In my professional and personal life, I am constantly seeking ways I can help the world fall in love with Drake as much as I have. I can’t wait to see how being a scholar will benefit both myself and Drake.”
