STCC director of marketing and communications wins district ‘Rising Star’ award

Keith Paul holds his award at a conference.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Springfield Technical Community College director of marketing and communications received the Rising Star Award from an organization that represents public relations professionals employed at community colleges.

The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR), District 1, recognized Keith Paul, of Sterling, Mass., as its Rising Star for 2021, at an annual conference held Oct. 25-27 in Long Branch, N.J.

In addition, STCC won four “Medallion” awards: Gold awards for Special Event or Fundraising Campaign; Government or Community Relations Campaign; Print Advertising; and Bronze award for Communication Success Story or Crisis Communication Campaign.

District 1 comprises community colleges in Northeast states as well as the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec and the United Kingdom.

“I'm honored and humbled,” Paul said. “The STCC marketing team, and frankly our peers across campus, make my job easy. We're a scrappy and talented bunch. I sure was surprised when this 'dream team' shared the news.”

Paul said he loves working in higher education and promoting the value of a STCC education and the community college experience.

The STCC marketing team, and frankly our peers across campus, make my job easy. We're a scrappy and talented bunch. I sure was surprised when this 'dream team' shared the news. Keith Paul, Director of Marketing & Communications at STCC

“Make no mistake, community colleges are powerful. It might seem like a cliché, but we provide a means to an education that simply can't be matched by other institutions of higher learning. It's a great feeling knowing that telling these stories – of those who launch (and relaunch) their lives with us – is getting noticed!” Paul said.

The Rising Star Award recognizes newcomers who have demonstrated special creativity or ability in marketing and PR and show evidence of a promising future in the field. It is awarded annually in each of NCMPR’s seven districts, and district winners automatically qualify for consideration for the national award.

Paul joined STCC in January 2019 after serving in marketing roles at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and at Fortune 100 companies. Among his accomplishments, Paul has led the modernization of marketing materials and built a robust video content library on YouTube.

Dr. Shai Butler, vice president of Advancement and External Affairs, said Paul brings energy and enthusiasm to his work promoting STCC.

“Keith truly cares for our institution and champions student success,” Butler said. “He employs creative and unique ideas and technologies to keep STCC top of mind as a higher education choice. I am proud of Keith and congratulate him on receiving the Rising Star award from NCMPR District 1.”

Kerry Ferrero, coordinator of design and production services, nominated Paul for the award. Jim Danko, coordinator of media relations, introduced Paul at the NCMPR District 1 Conference.

Also at the conference, Paul and Danko led a presentation titled, “How to Get National Media Attention (The Good Kind).”

A story about the affordability of community colleges, as told through the lens of STCC students, was picked up by MSNBC. NCMPR judges awarded STCC with a Bronze Medallion for the story.

As part of their presentation, Paul and Danko offered tips on how to pitch stories and develop relationships with media representatives.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu