The North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) held their annual Communications & Marketing and Development conferences on January 10th and 11th, respectively. Chowan had six representatives at the conferences, and four presented. 

The Marketing and Communications meeting was held at Elon University on Tuesday, January 10th. Kim Sherman Bailey, Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Director of University Relations and Communications, served on the planning committee and led a round table discussion on “Doing More with Less.” Jason Fowler, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, hosted a session, “Graphic Design – What Appeals to Audiences Today,” and new staff member Chris Whaley, University Communications Graphic Designer, attended the conference.  

Bailey’s round table facilitated discussion among communication and marketing professionals regarding the ever-growing need to do more with less, sharing tips and tools that make their workflow more efficient. 

Professor Fowler had a full room during his session on graphic design, focusing on the personal and emotional impact of design. He used the example of three big brands that have “gone personal:” Vans, Apple, and McDonald’s. He encouraged his colleagues to “think small” and create content to interest students. “Presenting at the 2023 NCICU Communications & Marketing Meeting was such a rewarding experience,” shared Jason Fowler. “I am exceedingly grateful for the chance to engage with fellow NCICU designers and communicators about ways to better reach our students and alumni. It was truly an honor.”

On Wednesday, January 12, Chowan University’s Andy Wilson, John Tayloe and Ashley Gustafson attended the Development Conference hosted at Guilford College. Tayloe and Wilson served on the planning committee for the conference and hosted sessions.

Tayloe’s session, “Planned Giving: Best Practices Discussion,” allowed opportunities for planned giving officers to discuss current hot topics and goals. Wilson teamed up with LaDaniel Gatling, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations at Guilford College, and Robin Gordon, Director of Annual Giving at Campbell University, for a session on “Planning and Executing a Successful Giving Day.” The trio shared their strategies for establishing goals and work plans, sharing successes, and sharing lessons learned from their Giving Day experiences.

“Participating in the NCICU conferences was a great opportunity for our staff to learn some best practices from our colleagues across the state.” shared Andy Wilson, “we look forward to returning next year.”