Castleton State College has a new strategy to expand the Castleton brand under the umbrella of a new College Advancement Office.    

Led by College Advancement Dean Colleen Klatt, the new department looks to create a more centralized approach to current marketing and communications plans focusing on increasing awareness about the college and enhancing the overall image of Castleton, Klatt said. 

Since the official announcing of the department in September, members have already begun exploring ways to maximize the digital media presence of the institution.

“We are reaching into markets that we never have before,” said Klatt speaking about utilizing a more web and social media based approach to reach a larger audience. 

Klatt also mentioned that in addition to increasing awareness and enhancing the college’s image, the group plans to generate additional revenue for the institution through a variety of development and fund-raising initiatives, capital campaigns and grants. 

 “We want people, even beyond the Vermont and New England borders, to know who we are and what we do,” she said. 

Members of the College Advancement Office staff include Jeff Weld as director of College Relations and Sports Information, Jane Foley as director of Creative Services, Bill Wiles as director of Grants and Special Projects, and Victoria Angis as coordinator of Research Services.  

And with a strong passion for the world of digital media, Katye Munger, previously part of the admissions department, was the perfect fit for the new position as director of Digital Media. 

“This position is perfect for me. It incorporates everything that I love doing,” said Munger who said she is excited about her new position and the challenges it will bring. 

Munger now oversees Castleton’s website and social media networks, both important aspects for growing the college’s presence online.  

“I want people all over the universe to know about Castleton,” she joked, adding that the passion and dedication she and her colleagues have for the college is so deep that they “bleed green.”

In addition to the office’s 11 full-time employees, a total of seven undergraduates and one graduate student have been recruited to help the team. 

“Part of our vision was to have students help us create this,” explained Klatt. 

Students will help with writing and designing promotional materials, updating and editing web content, planning and managing tasks and assisting with a variety of other media relations activities, Klatt said.

They also play an especially key role in the brainstorming process. 

“I think the biggest benefit to having students working along side the College Advancement Office is that they can get student feedback about what is working and what isn’t working on our campus,” said senior Courtney Bates, who has been working with the College Advancement team for about a month. 

Bates is thankful for the opportunity.

“They make me feel like I’m one of them and part of the team,” said Bates.  “It’s like being part of a cute little family.”