NWCC MarCom Team Takes Home 16 Awards from State Competition CPRAM

by Julie Bauer and Sarah Smith

Senatobia, MS (05/22/2025) — Northwest Mississippi Community College's Marketing and Strategic Communications Office took home 16 awards on May 20, 2025, at the annual CPRAM (College Public Relations Association of Mississippi) conference which was hosted by Mississippi State University in Starkville.

"I am incredibly proud of the creative team at Northwest for the recognition they have received at CPRAM and for the outstanding work they do every day to help the citizens of our region see, hear, and understand all that's happening at Northwest Mississippi Community College," said Northwest President, Dr. Michael J. Heindl.

CPRAM functions as a professional development network for those working in higher ed marketing, communications and advancement offices who deal primarily with marketing and public relations. As part of the annual conference, there is an awards dinner honoring the winners of the state competition and showcasing their work. Awards are given for first, second and third place in print media, electronic media and mixed media categories. The competition is divided into junior and senior divisions, representing two-year community/junior colleges and four-year colleges/universities respectively. Grand Awards are given to the best of all first place entries in print, electronic, and mixed media in the junior and senior divisions.

During the dinner, Northwest was honored for winning multiple awards, including one of the coveted Grand Awards in Mixed Media and also won first in Wildcard Mixed Media. Northwest's winning entry was "The Northwest W.A.Y.", which is a service initiative for employees to embody the Northwest "W.A.Y. (we appreciate you!)." The "way" is defined by a few tenants: positive attitude and enthusiasm, professionalism and integrity, respect and empathy, responsiveness and reliability, and finally, collaboration and teamwork. Those who contributed to this award include Northwest's graphic designers Kevin Pitts of Senatobia and Jennifer Corbin of Lambert, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Patti Gordon of Senatobia, Video Coordinator and Digital Media Specialist Matthew Mixson of Auburn, Alabama, and other members of the Northwest Way Steering Committee which includes Cindy Brown, Abbi Casey, Allie Crick, Meg Crockett, Lakeesha Grant, Joshua Guest, Michael Johnson, Geri Lester, Blitz Sandridge, and student representatives McGheyla Patton and Brandon Taylor.

In first place in the print media advertisements category, Corbin won for her "Find Your Path" advertisement that was featured in Tanger Outlet Mall in Southaven showcasing the college's fun and dynamic DeSoto Center.

Northwest's Communications Specialist Sarah Smith of Mt. Pleasant took home first place in the mixed media feature writing category for her piece "Always a Ranger: Ebone Dukes," which is a story about growing one's own and them coming back to work for their alma mater.

Smith won first place in the mixed media fine arts photograph category for the "Boeing Boeing photo series" which showcased the colorful cast of Northwest theatre students performing in their fall 2024 production.

In the mixed media portraits category, Assistant Director of Social Media and Strategic Communications Carly Fox of Hernando took home first for her graduate portrait series of Brandon Taylor and McGheyla Patton, who were Northwest Pathfinders and Mr. and Miss Northwest.

In first place for the mixed media sports photograph category, Sports Media Specialist Brian Oakley of Como won for his work titled "One Week in Casper" covering the Northwest Rodeo as they went to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.

Fox and Smith won first for their creative work "Head in the Clouds" in the new media electronic category, featuring a photo taken by Smith and Fox and using Photoshop AI to generate a set of clouds that say "register" in the sky.

For second place in the wildcard print category, Corbin won for her "Diesel Technology Box Truck" entry that featured graphics from around campus on a box truck.

In second place for the student life photography category, Smith won for her "Luau at the ROC - photo series" which showcased a student life event held at golden hour during welcome week.

Fox and Smith placed second for their work on the Northwest Instagram account in the digital media social media account category. The Northwest Instagram features a lively showcase of Northwest events, culture and identity.

The comms team took home third in brochures for their work on the Northwest DeSoto Campus viewbook. Designed by Pitts and Corbin, with photo contributions from Fox and Smith, and other contributions by Northwest DeSoto Center Dean, Dr. Keith Reed, Northwest DeSoto Center Assistant Dean, Dr. Parker Jones, and Northwest's Associate Vice President of Community Relations, Dr. Andrew Dale.

Pitts won third for his work on the "Boeing Boeing Theatre Poster" in the single piece of artwork category with contributions from Northwest Mississippi Community College Fine Arts Theatre Instructor Kayla Manzolillo.

In wildcard mixed media, Pitts, Smith and Fox struck third again for their work on the "Howdy Rangers Micro-Social Campaign" which was designed to add fun elements for digital marketing purposes.

Mixson won third for his work on the non-sports promo hype video for "V-Day Ball Hype Video" which showcased students getting ready for the annual SGA spring dance. This annual event brings in an exciting and fun opportunity for students.

Mixson and Fox also won third for their work in General Video for their entry "2024 Welcome Week" which recapped the events of the fall welcome week from moving in to the first campus events.

"The communications team at Northwest is one of the most creative groups in the state," said Dr. Dale. "Their dedication to showcasing the very best of our college is unmatched - both in their work ethic and in their keen eye for unique and compelling storytelling. The recognition they've earned at CPRAM is a reflection of the excellence they deliver every day. I am proud that I get to work with them daily."

Northwest is also excited to announce that Dr. Dale will serve as CPRAM president for the next year. Dr. Dale will help organize and host the event next year. Re-elected to their positions are Fox and Smith who will for a second year serve as the awards co-chairs on the CPRAM Board of Directors.

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