Lake Region State College President Doug Darling recently was recognized as the Pacesetter of the Year for the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations District 5. He received the recognition and award at the NCMPR District 5 conference in St. Paul Oct. 2nd.
The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges.
The Pacesetter of the Year Award recognizes a community college president or CEO who has demonstrated special leadership and support in college communications and marketing. It is awarded annually in each of NCMPR's seven districts, and district recipients automatically qualify to compete for the national award. District 5 includes the states of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and the Canadian province of Manitoba.
It's no secret that support from the college's president or CEO is essential to success of communications and marketing teams on campus. That's why NCMPR is pleased to honor presidents and CEOs who truly "get it."
President Darling was nominated because he remains true to the college's mission: working to enhance lives and community vitality through quality education. Thanks to his leadership, LRSC is respected as a nimble education innovator. President Darling is always looking at partnerships with other area institutions, economic development groups, and regional stakeholders.
Since President Darling held the public information officer and marketing positions at LRSC, he is well-versed on what is needed to market and advance the institution. President Darling believes community and public relations is an activity that every employee should embrace. Everyone has a role in living and building the LRSC brand.
President Darling’s dedication to lifelong learning ensures educational accessibility for all. LRSC prioritizes student success and works to keep retention and graduation rates high.
The National Pacesetter award will be announced at the NCMPR national conference in New Orleans in March 2025.
NCMPR is one of the fastest-growing affiliates of the American Association of Community Colleges, NCMPR has more than 1,600 members from nearly 600 colleges across the United States and Canada.