SimpsonScarborough talked with Laura Vann, Public Relations Specialist at Lynn University and one of the inaugural SimpsonScarborough Scholars.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: My name is Laura Vann, and I am the public relations specialist at Lynn University, a small liberal arts college located in Boca Raton, Florida. I was born and raised in Augusta, Georgia and upon graduation of high school is 2004, I moved to Boca Raton to pursue an undergraduate degree from Lynn University. In 2008, I graduated summa cum lade from Lynn with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication, specializing in Public Relations and Advertising, and minored in Business Marketing (it's a mouthful, I know!). During my tenure as a student at Lynn, I worked in the Office of Marketing and Communications as a media relations intern for 3 years. In 2008, I was hired as a full-time media relations assistant and started my graduate studies at Lynn. In December of 2009, I graduated with a Master of Science in Communication and Media.

Today, as a public relations specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communication at Lynn my responsibilities include: being the University's primary liaison with the local press (print, TV, radio, and online); overseeing and facilitating coverage of University news, events, and people; leading social media efforts (via blogs, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter); creating editorial and multimedia content for all channels, including Lynn.edu; and, I am the University's back-up emergency contact.

Q: Why did you decide to apply to the SimpsonScarborough Scholars program?

A: As a student, intern, and now employee of Lynn University, I have become very familiar with CASE and SimpsonScarborough. In fact, as a student intern in 2006 I was awarded a District CASE III Advancement Award for the development of a Broadcast E-mail Project for my work developing, implementing, and providing content for a weekly news tip sheet that I pitch to local media.

My colleagues, Jason Hughes and Carol Herz, are the individuals who brought the SimpsonScarborough Scholars program to my attention. They encouraged me to apply noting, "I think you have a real chance." After reading about the program, it didn't take much time before I applied for the once in a lifetime chance to be named a SimpsonScarborough Scholar, to take advantage of the wealth of networking opportunities provided through the program, and to advance my career in marketing for higher education - both personally and professionally.

Q: What was your reaction to being named on of the inaugural SimpsonScarborough Scholars?

A: Shock. Joy. Disbelief. Honor. Excitement.

I think those emotions sum up how I was feeling when I received the phone call from Brett Chambers, Executive Director of Volunteer Relations at CASE. Brett called me personally to tell me the good news. The word spread fast around campus after Brett e-mailed my supervisor Jason Hughes. In fact, the very next day the President of Lynn University, Kevin Ross, personally congratulated me on the honor and achievement.

Q: One of the goals of the SimpsonScarborough Scholars program is to establish a network of scholars over time who become mentors to other promising newcomers. How do you envision yourself in this role?

A: In my current position at Lynn University, I directly manage (and often mentor) four student workers on a daily basis that produce and manage multimedia content - two student photographers, a videographer, and a graduate assistant who monitors our social media channels. Helping these students realize their potential and thrive in the workplace is one of my favorite responsibilities. These students bring a fresh and creative look into all facets of Lynn University's innovative and effective modes of marketing and communication. As a SimpsonScarborough Scholar I hope to expand upon this role in marketing for higher education by seeking out the opinion and creativity of young people around the nation.

- Renee Kart