OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi won three awards in the 2021 Council for Advancement and Support of Education District III competition recognizing the best education and nonprofit marketing and communications programs across the Southeast.
Among nearly 800 entries spanning 66 categories, only 30 entries received the Grand Gold award recognizing the most exceptional work. Ole Miss received a Grand Gold award in the “Student Publications – Publication Packages” category for its revamped admissions viewbook, “This is Hotty Toddy.”
The viewbook project was a collaboration between the university’s offices of Admissions and University Marketing and Communications.
“These awards are an outstanding testament to the exceptional work produced by our university’s marketing and communications professionals,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “I’m especially proud and inspired by the Grand Gold award, which reflects our commitment to grow enrollment and show why the next generation of students in Mississippi and from across the world should choose Ole Miss as the place to go to college to build their legacy.”
Additionally, in the “Writing – General News” category, JB Clark, communications specialist in University Marketing and Communications, received a Silver award for his story titled “Then and Now: ‘Black Power at Ole Miss’ Spotlights Historic Events.”
The university also captured a Bronze award in the “Writing – Series or Collection” category for its “Journey to Commencement” campaign, which featured profiles of 49 members of the Class of 2020 amid the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 last spring. The Journey to Commencement website showcased stories of determination, perseverance and success demonstrated by 2020 graduates throughout their time at the university.
This collaborative project was led by University Marketing and Communications in conjunction with more than 30 writers, editors, web designers and photographers from multiple departments and programs across campus.
“These awards are a testament to the outstanding work produced by marketers and communicators across our campus, and I am so excited for our colleagues to receive this external validation of their commitment to serve our university and advance its mission,” said Jim Zook, chief marketing and communications officer.
Click here to view UM’s three awards, including a brief excerpt from each winning entry, and to search the site to see winning entries from other institutions.
CASE is a global association of educational and nonprofit institutions that focuses on best practices in the field of advancement and hosts an annual award competition for higher education, postsecondary and nonprofit institutions.