At the recent fall workshop sponsored by the Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA), Holly Bormann, Director of Marketing and Communications at Carl Albert State College, received the Randy Talley Rising Star Award, which “recognizes rising communications, marketing, and public relations professionals working at Oklahoma higher education institutions.“ The award is named in honor of Randy Talley, who served as a role model for numerous students and developing professionals during his tenure as Director of Media and Community Relations for the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and his more than 20 years as a member of the Board of Directors of OCPRA. Professionals selected for the Randy Talley Rising Star Award have demonstrated creativity, innovation, advocacy, expertise, and integrity in their field of work reflective of those modeled by the award’s namesake. Emphasis in selecting an individual for the Rising Star distinction is placed on accomplishments within the past year.
“Holly Bormann has personally led the efforts to remodel our marketing and communications division here at Carl Albert in multiple ways,” said President Jay Falkner. “These include website design, social media development, overall communications strategies, style guiding, branding and re-branding, media relations, and the development of our “Viking TV” project, which has revolutionized our streaming capabilities in significant means.
“Holly recently finished a new “Marketing and Communications Strategic Plan” for the entire institution that was adopted and launched by our governing board of regents. This plan was so exceptional, there was an additional focal point section added to our master strategic plan to reflect this innovative and visionary leadership.
“Additionally, Ms. Bormann has worked diligently with Gary Davidson and the leadership of the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges in much needed re-branding campaigns and social media marketing efforts that have been transformative for the two-year tier of higher education in the state of Oklahoma. Director Davidson has consistently praised Holly for her leadership and service to the OACC, and more importantly to the students we serve.
Falkner added, “Through her successful professional background, deep knowledge of modern marketing and communications, passion to continually learn about emerging trends and technologies, and her willingness to innovate and collaborate, Ms. Bormann has elevated the CASC Marketing and Communication Division to levels unseen and previously unimagined. We are thankful for her leadership and outstanding contributions!”
“Receiving the Randy Talley Rising Star Award is so humbling, and I’m so grateful,” said Bormann. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by knowledgeable professionals from whom I learn each day. President Falkner is a tremendously supportive leader who has always encouraged and pushed me. My CASC coworkers are incredible sources of knowledge and wisdom, and I lean on them daily to make sound decisions related to our communications plan. The OCPRA Board has been a tremendous soft place to fall, a group to which to vent, and a crew of colleagues who have become my friends. The field of marketing and communications is a true passion of mine, and I feel very blessed to be part of an institution that has as its purpose to change the lives of students.”
Bormann is a native of Jenks, OK, and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Science Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Mississippi. She has served CASC in her role since January of 2020. She and her family reside in Sallisaw, OK.
The OCPRA provides superb networking opportunities for new and seasoned PR professionals — from both public and private institutions. The organization honors the creative imagination of its members and member institutions in their marketing and public relations efforts.
