The Call of the Humanities, ASCENT 2024
Executive Case Study: Strategic Advocacy & The Humanities Narrative
The Challenge: Defending the Liberal Arts in a Post-Professional Market In an era where higher education is increasingly scrutinized for immediate vocational ROI, the humanities often face a narrative of "diminishing value." As a leader for the College of Arts and Sciences, I recognized the need for a high-impact, mission-aligned narrative that could bridge the gap between traditional academic scholarship and modern career outcomes.
The Strategy: Humanizing the "Elasticity" of the Degree I conceptualized and authored "The Call of the Humanities" as a flagship cover story for ASCENT. My objective was to modernize the perception of these disciplines by connecting "centuries-long traditions" to contemporary cultural touchpoints (e.g., global connectivity, digital media, and inclusive belonging).
Executive Execution:
Stakeholder Synthesis: I facilitated a collaborative narrative by interviewing and aligning perspectives from multiple department chairs (History, Spanish, French & Italian) to present a unified front for the humanities.
Integrated Career Advocacy: I strategically embedded the "Career and Professional Success" ecosystem into the narrative. This moved the piece from a philosophical essay to a practical value proposition, highlighting the "elasticity" of the degree and its link to critical thinking and global leadership.
Cultural Relevance: I utilized modern cultural references (e.g., social media influencers and digital storytelling) to demonstrate that the humanities are not "relics of the past" but are "hiding in plain sight" in our everyday digital lives.
The Impact: Strengthening Institutional Identity This cover story served as a cornerstone for the college’s reputation management strategy. By framing the humanities as a "critical investment," I provided the Dean and senior leadership with a sophisticated communication tool to use with donors, prospective students, and legislative stakeholders.
Artventurous Ambitions, 2024 ASCENT
Executive Case Study: Placemaking & Strategic Community Engagement
The Challenge: Socializing Major Capital Investments With the completion of two state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of campus, the university needed to move beyond architectural announcements to a narrative of "animation." The challenge was to demonstrate how these multi-million dollar investments served not only the academic mission but also functioned as a cultural gateway for the broader Columbus community.
The Strategy: Narrative Alignment of People, Place, and Purpose I authored "Artventurous Ambitions" as a cornerstone narrative to socialize the university’s new "Arts District." My objective was to synthesize the historical legacy of the arts at Ohio State with the forward-looking vision of the newly appointed Vice Provost for the Arts.
Executive Execution:
Bridging the "Town and Gown" Divide: I focused the narrative on community accessibility, highlighting the Urban Arts Space and Artist Laureate programs to show that university resources are an open invitation to the city, rather than an "ivory tower" enclosure.
Institutional Fluency & Leadership Support: I translated high-level administrative goals—specifically those of the Office of Academic Affairs—into a compelling public-facing story. By featuring voices from the Vice Provost and various Department Chairs, I ensured the narrative was anchored in executive strategy.
Advocating for Inclusive Storytelling: I specifically integrated the work of the Artist Laureate, focusing on themes of identity, inclusion, and "who gets to dance." This aligns the arts narrative with the university's broader commitment to belonging and diverse representation.
The Impact: Elevating the Cultural Profile of the Enterprise This piece served as a strategic communication tool to transition the arts from "invisible" campus activities to a visible, vital pillar of the university’s global identity. It provided a sophisticated framework for discussing the ROI of the arts—positioning them as a driver for student recruitment, alumni pride, and metropolitan partnership.
Experiential Storytelling & Donor Stewardship, Life-Changing Moments
At the College of Veterinary Medicine, I directed a digital media strategy designed to bridge the emotional gap between philanthropic investment and student transformation. Recognizing that donors often provide support without witnessing the immediate impact of their generosity, I conceptualized a high-stakes narrative project to capture the 'moment of impact' for the annual donor celebration.
Strategic Conceptualization: I orchestrated a series of interviews with students to discuss the barriers to veterinary education. The pivot of the project—revealing in real-time that each participant had been awarded the college’s most prestigious scholarship—was a calculated move to capture authentic, raw emotion.
Donor Stewardship & ROI: This project was more than a video; it was a strategic stewardship asset designed for a high-value audience of current and prospective major gift donors. By placing donors inside the life-changing moment they made possible, I provided a profound 'emotional return on investment.' This approach exemplifies my ability to serve as a modern storyteller, capturing the distinctive spirit of an institution and uniting stakeholders around a compelling, future-looking narrative of student success.
Strategic Corporate Partnerships: National Brand Alignment & Clinical Research Advocacy, Blue Buffalo Gift Announcement
In 2016, following a landmark $6 million gift from The Blue Buffalo Company, I spearheaded the integrated communication strategy to launch the Blue Buffalo Veterinary Clinical Trials Office. This project required a sophisticated balance: honoring a corporate benefactor while centering the university’s mission of research excellence and patient care.
Multi-Channel Distribution Strategy: I directed the production of a high-caliber cinematic narrative in partnership with Oregonian Pictures to articulate the gift’s impact on global clinical trials and local patient outcomes. To maximize institutional visibility, I orchestrated a pervasive distribution strategy—repurposing the content across all college digital vehicles, integrating it into the physical environment of the Veterinary Medical Center, and utilizing it as a high-impact 'trailer' for the university’s flagship public lectures
Institutional Branding & Undergraduate Recruitment Ecosystems, Discover ASC- Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Recruitment Videos
Case Study: Institutional Infrastructure & Unified Recruitment Strategy
As Recruitment Marketing Manager for the College of Arts and Sciences, I spearheaded the development of the college’s inaugural undergraduate recruitment media strategy. This initiative was designed to bring clarity and ambition to the college’s narrative, specifically targeting high-achieving prospective students in a competitive academic landscape.
Stakeholder Alignment & Integration: In a highly decentralized environment, I successfully facilitated collaborative alignment between the Undergraduate Recruitment Committee, divisional deans, and university admissions. By serving as the strategic bridge between academic leadership and creative production, I ensured the final narrative reflected the diverse excellence of the college while remaining audience-centered and inclusive.
Strategic Creative Direction: I directed the comprehensive production process—from conceptualization and storyboarding to talent selection—in partnership with Oregonian Production Company. To ensure the highest digital impact, I developed a three-tiered thematic approach to capture the breadth of the Arts and Sciences experience: [Insert Themes Here].
Evolving the Communications Function: This project established a new standard for promotional excellence within the college. By integrating these assets into every recruitment touchpoint and presentation, I modernized the college’s outreach tools and fostered a more cohesive, future-looking identity for the undergraduate program.
Why Study The Arts and Sciences
This video focuses on the academic experience. It provides a look into the college’s expansive and diverse portfolio for academic enrichment.
Finding The Right Fit: Community & Support
Given the size of the College of Arts and Sciences, some students feel a bit intimidated when they hear the number of majors, minors, and students. Thus, it was paramount to discuss support services the college offers and tackle concepts such as inclusion and the sense of community.
This video looks at how students are capitalizing on opportunities to expand their academic landscape. These range from ASC student research, studying abroad, and student organizations. We also have faculty explaining how getting involved beyond the classroom can be beneficial to students.