EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Communications Plan update — The office continues to focus on proactively pitching positive media stories to local, state, national and trade media outlets. Within this report, you will see the number of positive stories. We send an average of four proactive/positive news releases per week and pitch verbally 2-6 stories to the media. The focus of our plan is to improve the general public's perception of Kentucky State University within the focus areas identified in the University's Strategic Plan. An example of this is the September 28 WDRB News Report by Stephan Johnson on increased enrollment at KSU. http://www.wdrb.com/story/33273581/kentucky-state-university-opens-doors-for-itt-and-st-catherine-students
A complete listing of our news coverage is in the body of this report.
Community Partnership--
“What Can You Do”-- Kentucky State University partnered initially with the Frankfort Downtown Kiwanis Club to launch internally the “What Can You Do for Kentucky State University” initiative. The initiative has been successful and is now supported by the county and city. President Thompson launched the initiative internally on campus at the Faculty and Staff Institute in August. It has been promoted through various internal and external communications vehicles since the launch. Vince Mattox, to the President for Academic and School District Outreach, and Rick Smith, of External Relations and Development, serve as the KSU designated contacts. Both Mattox and Smith also serve on the coordinating board.
Key contacts are: Franklin County Judge Houston Wells; Frankfort City Manager Tim Zisoff, Frankfort Mayor William May, Ed Powe, Frankfort Kiwanis Club and Interim President, Kentucky State University, Dr. Aaron Thompson.
Thorobred Network launched — The Athletics department partnered with External Relations to launch the Thorobred Network. This online streaming network kicked off with the premiere of the KSU first home football game. This is the first time we have streamed a game with a four-camera production to include play-by-play and color commentary. Plans are underway to stream selected KSU academic and athletic events.
KSU launched online ticket sales with Etix -- This innovative ticketing service provider allows KSU supporters to buy tickets to sporting and entertainment events where ticket purchases are required.
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