On Board with Kimberly Griffin

By Anne Swearingen

MFAeA board member Kimberly Griffin has her eye on the future of The W. From where she sits, diversity, effective use of social media and public relations are some of the keys to that future.

“It's important for the W to focus on its mission in order to thrive and survive in the 21st century,” she said. “It's also vital that we continue to focus on diversity within our student body.”

The 1993 graduate and journalism/public relations major noted that a focus on The W’s historic mission and diversity can work together.

“These things are not mutually exclusive,” said Kimberly. “In fact, they complement one another. We must support and create programs, such as Culinary Arts, that respond to current-day demands.”

She also believes that marketing and advertising The W effectively can make a difference. “Universities around the nation have created interesting campaigns that reflect who they are by using some very accessible and affordable tools. I'm thinking Facebook, YouTube, low-cost web campaigns and alternative print media.”

Kimberly is active as an alum, just as she was as a student. In her years at The W, Kimberly was a founding member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Pi Zeta Chapter, a member of Student Government, the Black Student Council and she worked on The Spectator.

Today, Kimberly is sales coordinator at the Jackson (Miss.) Free Press, an alternative weekly newspaper. In addition to her sales and marketing work, Kimberly is also a professional blogger.

“I'm extremely proud to serve on our board,” she said, “and immensely impressed with our tenacity and commitment to the mission and goals of the W.”

Anne Swearingen, Class of 1973 is Director of Communication for the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis