Our next award is for Innovation in Marketing, and this year, we have two winners: Jordan Phoenix and Nicole Nair (NIE-err).
Jordan is the assistant director for the Office of Records and Information Management Services. Imagine the daunting task of managing the university’s records and information assets on a daily basis.
For the past three years, Jordan has been delivering innovative solutions for training and marketing materials that are eye-catching and easy to understand. You’ve probably seen his “To Scan or Not to Scan” and “Is it a Record?” posters… Or, his much-loved “email monster.”
Jordan has a knack for communicating about intimidating tasks in an inspiring way, while balancing accountability and transparency with practicality. His creative ideas can be seen in posters, flyers, coasters… even mini recycling bins across campus. They are helpful resources for all of us.
“The only tool Nicole has not used to communicate to our stakeholders is carrier pigeon.”
That’s how the Office of Technology Management describes Nicole Nair, our next recipient of the Innovation in Marketing Award.
Nicole developed the dynamic OTM website in coordination with UI Chicago’s OTM. And she’s been instrumental in developing and managing several conferences, including the popular series known as “Share the Vision,” that puts U. of I. professors and their research innovations in front of venture capitalists and technology scouts.
Nicole has the know-how and graphic finesse to produce lively, information-packed guides to entrepreneurship, including the Inventor’s Handbook and the Start-up Handbook Her annual reports sing and her team’s social media engagement never flags.
I am delighted to give Nicole and Jordan this much-deserved award.