OCTC Marketing Team Earns Four NCMPR Medallion Awards
Owensboro, KY (10/26/2026) — Owensboro Community & Technical College's (OCTC) Marketing and Communications Department has earned four Medallion Awards from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 2, recognizing the department's excellence in marketing, communications, and graphic design during the 2025-2026 academic year.
The annual Medallion Awards recognize outstanding achievements in community college marketing and public relations, celebrating creativity, innovation, and effectiveness across a variety of categories. OCTC's award-winning submissions included two Gold and two Bronze Medallion Awards for print advertisements and direct-mail postcards.
OCTC received the following honors:
Gold Medallion Award - Postcard, Single or Series: This postcard was mailed to dual credit students celebrating the completion of their first college credits. Featuring OCTC's signature blue and gold colors, modern graphic elements, and encouraging messaging, the design recognizes students' academic achievements and motivates them to continue their educational journey. Designed by OCTC Marketing Specialist, Hailey Pickle.
Bronze Medallion Award - Postcard, Single or Series: This postcard was sent to dual credit students preparing to graduate from high school in May 2026. Featuring a celebratory graduation photograph and OCTC's 40th anniversary branding, the postcard congratulates students on their accomplishments while encouraging them to consider OCTC as the next step in their education. Designed by OCTC Marketing Specialist, Hailey Pickle.
Gold Medallion Award - Print Ad, Single or Series: This advertisement appeared in Owensboro Living Magazine and highlighted OCTC's 2025-2026 Best of Owensboro Platinum Award. Featuring student photography, bold typography, and OCTC's signature blue and gold branding, the advertisement emphasizes affordability with the message that 87% of OCTC graduates finish debt-free, while encouraging prospective students to enroll. Designed by OCTC Marketing Specialist, Hailey Pickle.
Bronze Medallion Award - Print Ad, Single or Series: This advertisement appeared in The Hancock Clarion's May 2026 Graduation Edition. Featuring a graduate photograph, vibrant colors, and bold congratulatory messaging, the design celebrates the Class of 2026 while promoting OCTC's hands-on training, flexible educational options, and career-focused programs. Designed by OCTC Marketing Coordinator, Katie Powers.
"These awards are a wonderful reflection of the creativity, dedication, and talent of our Marketing and Communications team," said Dr. Scott Williams, OCTC Chancellor. "Their work goes beyond promoting the college. It helps prospective students see the opportunities available to them and connects our community with the programs and resources that can make a meaningful difference in their lives. I'm proud to see their efforts recognized on a regional level."
NCMPR is a professional organization dedicated to supporting marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges. Its District 2 Medallion Awards recognize excellence among member institutions across the region. Entries are evaluated in categories that include advertising, publications, digital communications, photography, and other marketing materials.
"Each of these pieces was created with a specific audience and purpose in mind," said Bernie Hale, OCTC Director of Marketing and Communications. "Whether we're celebrating students' accomplishments, encouraging high school graduates to continue their education, or sharing the value of an OCTC degree, our goal is to create messaging that resonates. Receiving four awards is an exciting acknowledgment of the thoughtful, creative work our team puts into connecting with students and the community."
OCTC's Marketing and Communications Department includes Bernie Hale, Director of Marketing and Communications; Linda Taylor, part-time assistant supporting writing and event coordination; Rodney Newton, producer and videographer; Hailey Pickle, Marketing/PR Specialist, whose responsibilities include graphic design, photography, social media, and digital displays; and Katie Powers, Marketing/Recruiting Coordinator, whose responsibilities include graphic design, event planning, and serves as lead for the CRM implementation.
Together, the team supports the college's recruitment, retention, and community engagement efforts through strategic communications, creative campaigns, and promotional initiatives.
Looking ahead, the department remains committed to developing innovative, data-informed marketing strategies that strengthen OCTC's visibility, support student success, and connect more individuals with educational and career opportunities throughout the region.
For more information about OCTC's programs and services, visit owensboro.kctcs.edu.
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