Best of CASE District V Award
 

Institution: Kent State University

Title of entry: Kent State Works Campaign

About this entry: In an era where the value of higher education is under scrutiny, Kent State University launched Kent State Works to redefine its role in workforce development and economic growth in Ohio. This campaign showcased the real-world impact of a Kent State education through powerful alumni stories, reinforcing the university’s commitment to producing career-ready graduates.

To maximize reach, we strategically leveraged our owned media channels, including social media, the Kent State news site, on-campus digital displays, and the Kent State Works web page. We also engaged key audiences through targeted emails to alumni, donors, and prospective students and distributed print materials to state legislators to strengthen institutional advocacy.

The campaign’s impact was significant. We garnered over 510,000 impressions and more than 12,000 engagements, while video content amassed over 77,000 views. Additionally, by featuring alumni from different colleges and campus locations, the campaign united Kent State’s marketing and communications teams across departments, fostering collaboration to align goals and amplify opportunities important to each area.

By aligning storytelling with a data-driven content strategy, Kent State Works successfully reinforced the university’s role in preparing students for in-demand careers, driving economic progress, and shaping the future of Ohio’s workforce.