Deseray L. McKinzy has been appointed as Extension specialist, project/program manager-communications for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS). In this position she will work closely with the School’s dean/director to determine priorities and deliverables for the communications department. She will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department including supervising staff, allocating resources and planning and managing projects that promote SAFHS.
McKinzy will plan and produce SAFHS digital content such as videos and podcasts for the internet and social media and shoot professional digital photographs.
Prior to joining UAPB, McKinzy worked as media and public relations coordinator for the City of Pine Bluff’s Advancing Health Literacy Program. In that role, she developed and managed the program’s website and social media, created promotional media content including videos, presentations and press releases, and planned and managed public relations events.
She has also worked at Deltaplex Radio Network as a local news writer and reporter. In that position, she was responsible for reporting the morning and afternoon news for all Deltaplex radio stations, developing and publishing local news stories from Jefferson County on the company’s website and attending community events and conducting interviews.
An alumna of UAPB, McKinzy has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in secondary education and physical education. During her studies, she served terms as president of the Student Government Administration election board and as manager of the track team. She also won the Miss Black Essence Award and was president of the Essence of a Woman club.
“We are thrilled Ms. McKinzy has chosen to join the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences as the manager of the communications office,” Dr. Bruce McGowan, interim dean/director for the School, said. “Her wealth of experience in marketing, mass communications, public relations and community outreach – as well as her history as a UAPB alumna – will help us showcase to the world the innovative and game-changing work being conducted by our faculty, staff and students.”
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
