Chancellor visit

Photo by Gregory D. Cook

During Chancellor Timothy P. White’s visit to CSUB, I was the primary lead for the videography and photography crew that would be on campus capturing his time at the university. In addition to that day, I was in contact with our local media, coordinating the press release and important information, as well as follow up calls about his visit prior to being on campus. It was an important visit, and I ensured that we grabbed the necessary content and assisted wherever needed throughout the day’s festivities.

Media coordination

I worked alongside my director on the schedule and day’s events, but took the lead when it came to drafting the press releases, ensuring the edits, working with the Chancellor’s Office for any necessary information and passing along important times to the media contacts. I was there to greet members of the media that decided to come, as well as get them situated for their time on campus and leading them to the next event, if they were staying.

Social Media captures/marketing

Throughout the day, I was in charge of posting any prominent spots and events on campus. I followed the team around, grabbing important images and quick notes about the events and what took place.

Press Conference with Chancellor White and President Mitchell

Perhaps one of the biggest events of the day was the press conference/ Q&A between Chancellor White and President Mitchell. I not only helped in pushing out the information to encourage those on campus to attend, but also monitored social media and asked any questions should they come up online.

Logistics

Other logistics included, having the media kit updated and ready to go with information about Chancellor White, President Mitchell, the California State University system, as well as CSUB. I also coordinated with a team on campus to provide their golf cart and driver for the day, so we could allow for smooth transitions from Point A to Point B in a timely manner. After, it was working with the photographer and videographer to make sure we had all the footage and best photos to file away and archive in our photo files should we need them in the future, and to provide to the Chancellor’s Office for their records.

This was one of my first major events on campus and to play such an integral part of the day and events was an honor. The fact that the Office of the President staff trusted me and had faith in me to be the primary contact for the day and guiding them around is something I’ll never forget. It gave me a boost of confidence early on, that I don’t think I even realized at the time.