Out of the small operation that is Alcorn State University’s Office of Land-Grant Communications come big ideas, with the latest one earning them recognition for their creativity.
The office’s 50th-anniversary commemorative logo design was selected for this year’s Association of 1890 Research Directors (ARD) Symposium, held in New Orleans in March. The team’s logo, selected from a poll of 1890 land-grant university communications teams across the country, appeared on all symposium-related materials, including promotional pieces, signage, digital communications, and printed or electronic materials associated with the event. The digital contest was held during the symposium’s preparation.
The biennial ARD Symposium showcases research and scholarship from over 1,800 participants in 1890 land-grant institutions. The event provides a platform for researchers to connect, network, and showcase breakthroughs in agricultural research and innovation.
When presented with the opportunity to design the logo, the office’s two staff members, Dr. Vickey Williams, a communications specialist, and Larry Walker, a graphic reproductions specialist, jumped at the chance to test their skills.
“The logo competition was fun,” said Williams. “What started as us submitting one logo turned into us submitting two logos to be considered. It was a friendly internal competition that neither of us imagined would be chosen, considering the size of our office.”
Outperforming communications teams that outnumber them in staff and resources is a testament to the office’s collective talent.
“Larry created a design first, and that inspired me to create one as well,” said Williams. “It felt good to see that our little team of two is just as talented as other schools with a full communications team, large budget, and all this equipment at their disposal. Despite being a much smaller operation, we won because we believe in each other and the talent we bring to the table. Collectively, we are a powerhouse that can compete with the biggest schools and still win.”
The office’s admiration for each other’s work creates a healthy environment that fuels inspiration.
“It has been an honor to work alongside Dr. Williams on this project,” said Walker. “Her creativity is unmatched, which is why we work so well together. Her logo design is deserving of recognition, and it makes me proud to be a part of a team that focuses so much on attention to detail.”
Walker acknowledges Dr. Dexter Wakefield, dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, for encouraging the agriculture communications team to dream big while positioning them to execute said dream.
“I’m also thankful for the leadership of Dr. Wakefield and his allowing us the liberty to create and uphold the standard of the college,” said Walker. “I’m confident that the best is yet to come for our communications department and the College.”
Accomplishing this creative feat makes Wakefield proud of his team and their mission to uphold the university’s standards.
“Winning this award is a reflection of positioning good and talented people in places to uphold the college’s vision and to show our standard,” said Wakefield. “They made this vision a reality, and now the 50th anniversary logo will be remembered and represented across the entire organization. This is a positive step toward our college’s strategic plan. I’m proud of our team’s work.”
