Paul Kingsmith, Lethbridge College’s communications specialist, has been named one of four SimpsonScarborough Scholars by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
The SimpsonScarborough Scholars program supports the professional development of promising communications and marketing practitioners in the educational advancement profession who are new to the field of post-secondary advancement. As one of this year’s scholars, Kingsmith will receive free attendance at the Summer Institute for Communications and Marketing, CASE's flagship training program for newcomers to the communications and marketing field, which this year will be held from July 24 to 28 at Boston University.
“I’m so thankful to receive this incredible opportunity,” says Kingsmith. “I have learned so much from my colleagues here at the college and I look forward to expanding my skills even further by meeting with skilled professionals from across North America at the conference. Working for Lethbridge College is such a fulfilling career as we work to create opportunities for our students to advance their own lives, education and careers.”
Kingsmith was nominated by Lethbridge College’s Communications manager Gwen Wirth and senior writer and editor Lisa Kozleski, who both credit his previous experience as a reporter and news anchor, his strategic thinking skills and his willingness to learn with making him an indispensable part of the advancement team.
“Paul is a passionate advocate for Lethbridge College students, alumni, staff and programs,” says Kozleski. “He hit the ground running when he started in this role a year and a half ago, and he hasn’t stopped. He is a quick learner and a quick worker, but he never sacrifices accuracy, clear communication or respect for the audience and community in his work.”
Kingsmith, a 2002 graduate of SAIT, came to the college after a 13-year, award-winning career in television news. Most recently he had worked at Global News in Lethbridge, first as a sports reporter and videographer and later as a news anchor, producer and digital journalist. Among his duties as a communications specialist at the college are writing news releases, internal communications, stories and more for multiple platforms. Kingsmith also works with local, regional and national media to share the college’s stories with various communities, contributes content for social media account, develops key messaging and more.
“Paul has been an incredible addition to the Communications department and to the whole college,” says Wirth. “His experience as a reporter and news anchor, combined with his natural leadership skills, allowed him step into the role with ease. He is a talented writer, is eager to learn and has brought a new perspective to our Advancement team as a whole. We are lucky to have him on our team, and thrilled with the opportunity that awaits him as a SimpsonScarborough Scholar.”
Joining Kingsmith as this year’s SimpsonScarborough Scholars are Daniel Baney, communications specialist at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming; Kasey Corrado, social media director at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin; and Myrna Flynn, communications manager at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.