Education dean’s pennant idea sparks engagement

What started off as a small gesture of appreciation to local K-12 teachers with Campbell University degrees has become a much bigger marketing tool for the School of Education & Human Sciences.

When dean of the School Dr. Alfred Bryant was approached by Vice President for Enrollment Dean Clark about a extra box of about 160 orange Campbell pennants, the two thought it would be a good idea to bring them to area middle and high schools to not only highlight the many Camels teaching locally, but also get that orange in front of young men and women considering their college careers. Earlier this month, Bryant began hand-delivering those pennants to principals, superintendents and the teachers themselves and sharing his experiences (and many teacher selfies) on his LinkedIn and other social media pages.

The response, he says, has been overwhelming.

"I shared my photos online like I always do, and immediately, I started getting all these likes, comments and emails," Bryant said. "One post got more than 100 comments. We have all sorts of requests for more pennants now, and we're looking to start doing this at other districts and in other schools."

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In Harnett County alone, there are roughly 273 Campbell graduates working as teachers and in administrative roles. Between Sampson County and Clinton City school districts to the south, there are nearly 100. Bryant said 500 new pennants have been ordered, and bordering counties like Johnston and Lee could be next on his travel list.

Having college pennants and banners on the walls in K-12 schools is not a new idea by any means, Bryant admits. But personally delivering them and taking the time to chat with superintendents, principals and the teachers themselves - that's been the key to the response he's receiving, Bryant says.

"The general response has been 'pleasantly surprised,'" he said. "These are just pennants. It's not like it's a gift certificate or an expensive gift. But these are proud Campbell graduates, and they appreciate their alma mater and love the idea that they're being asked to help market their school and tell their students and friends about it. I have a principal in Georgia now who saw my posts and wants me to send him something now."

There have been other unexpected benefits to Bryant's plan. The pennants are allowing the School to update its alumni list to include where their graduates are teaching now. With the School's 40th anniversary approaching and upcoming events like Giving Day, this is valuable information, he said.

"One young lady emailed me to apologize for missing my visit to the school, and she emailed me a photo of herself in the classroom with her pennant," Bryant said. "She was excited about it, and she even wore orange that day. It's refreshing to see how these teachers love their jobs and are appreciative of Campbell for helping make that happen."

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