Utica administrator honored as emerging leader in school public relations

Jennifer Kane, the Utica Community Schools coordinator of public relations, has been honored statewide as the top emerging leader in the field of school communications.

Kane was selected as the sole recipient of the first ever “Rising Star” award from the Michigan School Public Relations Association.

“In her short time with Utica Community Schools, Mrs. Kane has integrated herself in our school district family and championed innovative communications systems,” superintendent Robert S. Monroe said. “We are proud to recognize Mrs. Kane for being a Rising Star – both in Utica Community Schools and as a school communications professional in Michigan.”

Jessica Stigler, president-elect of MSPRA, said the award is one of MSPRA’s premier honors.
“This award is judged based on innovation, collaboration, impact, and commitment to growth,” she said. “It honors someone who uses fresh, creative approaches to the communications work, effectively navigates challenges and crises, actively participates in MSPRA events, seeks out professional learning, actively promotes inclusive messages and representation in district communications, works effectively with school leaders to advance communications goals, takes on leadership roles, completes data-driven work and showcases strong digital communication skills.”
Kane, who is in her fourth year with UCS, has led the district’s rebranding initiatives, coordinated the Legacy of Excellence celebration, effectively integrated the use of data to improve marketing, was an integral part of the district successful 2023 bond issue. She also oversees the district’s media relations and creates and implements communications for the UCS kindergarten registration process.

Her background in broadcasting has also brought a new dimension to the district’s nationally recognized multi-media communications.

She represents the district on multiple MSPRA committees and currently serves as president of the Oakland County School Public Relations Association, of which UCS is a member.

Kane holds a Kane holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University, with a concentration in marketing and management.

Her professional backgrounds include serving as the public address announcer for the Lansing Lugnuts – one of only four females in this position among 190 professional baseball teams. She had previously been the marketing manager, event director and client relations representative for Groove Productions and has also served as a digital media intern at the then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

She will be honored at the MSPRA spring conference in March.

MSPRA is the premier organization for school communicators in Michigan, with more than 200 members statewide.

http://www.uticak12.org

Superintendent Robert S. Monroe

Source: Utica Community School