2026 District 3 Rising Star
Amy Hanson
Senior Marketing Specialist
Lakeshore College
Wisconsin
- What did you do before joining Lakeshore College? How did that prepare you for your current role?
Before joining Lakeshore College, I spent more than 20 years working in journalism, marketing, communications, public relations, content development and brand management. While working in the technical college environment was new to me, the experience I have gained throughout my career provided a strong foundation in storytelling, writing for diverse audiences, media relations, project management and developing communications that connect with people. It also taught me how to quickly learn new subjects, work collaboratively and adapt messaging across platforms.
I’ve always enjoyed learning something new and then figuring out how to tell that story in a way people can understand and connect with. That has been especially valuable at Lakeshore, where I’m constantly learning about new programs, initiatives and the people who make the college special.
What is one of your major accomplishments since starting at Lakeshore?
One of my most meaningful accomplishments since joining Lakeshore College has been helping develop and launch Lenny’s Leap, the college’s newly rebranded dual-credit program. I had the opportunity to help bring the program to life from the ground up through the support of grant, marketing and program-related funds. I developed the program's brand identity and messaging, webpage, promotional video, photography, print materials, launch event and promotional pieces. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, we were able to take a project that had stalled multiple times and turn it into a successful launch that established a strong foundation for the program’s future.
As part of the grant-supported marketing efforts accomplished during the 2025-26 academic year, I’m also proud to share the college was able to develop integrated marketing campaigns that have included video, photography, website enhancements, social media advertising, billboards and other strategic tactics. These projects have challenged me to think creatively while being intentional about how marketing resources are used. Knowing that the work supports Lakeshore’s enrollment and awareness efforts while creating valuable assets the college can continue to use in the future has been especially rewarding.
What is one of the things you like best about working in higher ed?
What I like most about higher education is that there’s a person and a purpose behind every story we tell. We’re not simply promoting a program or an event; we’re helping people discover opportunities that can change the direction of their lives.
I love that I can use the skills I’ve developed throughout my career to shine a light on the people, programs and partnerships that make a difference at Lakeshore College and our surrounding communities. Everyone has a story to tell—they’re just waiting to be discovered. I truly enjoy being able to tell the stories of Lakeshore College as a member of the marketing team and feel extremely fortunate to collaborate with colleagues across departments.