Many of us are dealing with small teams and budgets, so how do we build a sustainable communications and marketing model that meets our goals? For starters, focus on your financial and creative sustainability.
In this session, the Michigan State University College of Nursing’s Office of Marketing & Communications will discuss how it reviewed what was and was not working, and how it reviewed processes and purchases to make smart reallocations that expanded out team’s content and reach. Need to outsource that annual magazine for $50,000? Try a $20 Adobe Stock template instead. Need a fancy new DSLR camera? Stick to an iPhone. Postcards for a program information day or open house? Try some savvy digital ads. Further, this session will dive into the importance of having a coordinator, a creative and a “socializer” on your team, how to repurpose your content, create useful workflows and, ultimately, grow your brand during a time of constant budget reductions and increasing demands.
Kristofer Karol
Senior Communications and Marketing Officer, Michigan State University
Kristofer Karol is the senior communications and marketing officer at the Michigan State University College of Nursing, where he leads all internal, external and social media, as well as marketing. Previously, he served as Indiana University’s first director of social media strategy, leading a team that generated more than 6 million engagements over a three-year span on the flagship IU Bloomington campus channels. He also has experience in healthcare, having live-tweeted a kidney transplant surgery for a large health system; executive and crisis communications; as well as media relations. A former journalist, Kris lives in East Lansing, Michigan with his wife, Caitlyn; five-year-old daughter, Wynn; and cat, Jackson. He is also a lifelong, suffering fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and still thinks Wayne Gretzky should have gotten a penalty for high sticking Doug Gilmour in Game 6 of the 1993 Western Conference Finals.
Wes Buskirk
Digital Communications Manager, Michigan State University
Wes Buskirk is the digital communications manager at the Michigan State University College of Nursing, where he leads strategy, storytelling, and screen time. From directing video shoots and designing print materials to managing the college’s website and producing The Spartan Nurse Podcast, he helps bring the college’s messages to life across every platform. With a background in video production and public relations, Wes has a knack for turning complex ideas into content that’s clear, engaging, and accessible. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Film and Video Production from Grand Valley State University, where he met—and later proposed to—his wife, Alison. They now happily live in Okemos, Michigan with their very good dog, Ella, who remains unimpressed by most of his work unless snacks are involved.