Thompson Named Communicator of the Year

Thompson Named Communicator of the Year

• Staff
• 10/03/2024

Rock Valley College is pleased to announce that Jennifer Thompson, Executive Director of College Communications, has been named the 2024 Communicator of the Year for the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 3.

The Communicator of the Year Award is one of the organization's most prestigious awards. It is presented annually to one recipient in each of the NCMPR's seven districts who have demonstrated leadership and ability in college communications.

"Jen has significantly impacted Rock Valley College's marketing with a strategic, data-driven approach. She places a strong focus on problem-solving and understanding the "why" behind the work," said Heather Snider, RVC Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Communications.

Thompson has led the RVC Communications and Marketing team through impactful projects, such as refreshing the college's brand identity, developing the employee intranet, growing media relations, and redesigning the college website. She has also supported implementing the new Brand Ambassadors program, which brought authentic student content creation to the forefront of the social media strategy.

"Since joining the college in August 2021, Jen has reshaped the department through team building, professional development, and a renewed focus on digital marketing. She is a champion of DEI efforts as she advocates for diversity, accessibility, and neurodiversity awareness," Snider continued.

Thompson is a creative communications professional with a nearly three-decade career in higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and theatre arts from Monmouth College and a Master of Arts degree in theatre literature and criticism from Northern Illinois University.

Theatre is where her roots are at RVC. She worked from 1996 to 1999 as a contract employee for Starlight and Studio Theatres before transitioning to full-time employment at the college in 2000. From 2000 to 2014, she worked in various departments, including Records & Registration, Advising, Admissions, and Recruitment. She credits these diverse roles and her experience in the performing arts for her success in college communications and marketing.

In addition to her creative work, Thompson is also a strong leader. "Jen values professional development, allowing our team to take advantage of growth opportunities," said Gabriela Mar-Gagula, Communications and Marketing Specialist at RVC. "She has supported team members through opportunities, including completing the NCMPR Leadership Institute and earning Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)/Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) dual credentials through the Digital Marketing Institute."

This award means so much. Not only does it validate my work, but it also reinforces my experience, track record, and credibility as a communications and marketing professional. This award is as much for my team as it is for me. They do exceptional work every day. They are incredibly talented, and I couldn't do what I do without them.

Thompson received the Communicator of the Year Award at the Awards of Excellence ceremony at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame during the NCMPR District 3 Fall Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 27. As a district recipient, Jen is also a finalist for the national award, which will be announced at the national conference in March 2025.

The NCMPR represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges across the United States and Canada. District 3 includes colleges in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and the Canadian province of Ontario.

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