Courtney is a star. Not a “star on the rise” and all of the typical expressions we use to describe undergraduate students. Courtney is already a star. I have had the privilege of working with Courtney in a variety of capacity: as a co-author on a number of academic articles, as a mentor/adviser in Cardinal PR, and as a professor in a traditional college setting.
Of all the skills and qualities that Courtney brings to every project, initiative and willingness to learn are two of the most compelling. Courtney is the first person to ask how she can add value to a project. Similarly, Courtney asks, “How can I help?” and genuinely means it. She is a stellar writer, project manager, and above all else an emotionally intelligent colleague.
Courtney’s greatest gift is her curiosity and willingness to continue learning. Courtney’s first client was completely outside of her wheelhouse and knowledge. Lo and behold, Courtney received a showering of compliments and recommendations from quite literally every point-of-contact she worked with on the project.
If I had the capacity, I would hire Courtney today for any and all projects that I had to offer. You should do the same.
Dr. Michael Blight, Executive Director of Cardinal PR and Assistant Professor of Public Relations and New Media at North Central College
As an Account Executive at Cardinal PR, Courtney provided email messaging and marketing collateral for our first ACCA Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Symposium.
I serve as the Assistant Provost for Teaching and Learning and the Director for the Center of Advancement of Faculty Excellence at North Central College. This was the first time that we hosted a cross-institutional all-day conference. We reached out to Professor Michael Blight and he set us up for success with Courtney.
I wish to convey my gratitude and highest praise. We learned so much from Courtney during this process about how to best publicize our event. As clients we didn’t even know all of the things that we should be asking about and considering. From start to finish with the project she handled herself with a great deal of professionalism. Courtney was so well attuned to all of the little details and why they mattered. She took initiative and demonstrated an ability to work independently and to think creatively.
Most important she has created a great template for us to follow in the coming years. We will be able to build on all of Courtney’s hard work to broaden our reach. She went above-and-beyond on the day of the conference by taking photos that we will be able to incorporate into future marketing materials.
It was a pleasure working with Courtney and we have no doubt that she will continue to excel in her future professional endeavors.
Dr. Jennifer Keys, Assistant Provost of Teaching & Learning at North Central College
Courtney Kurhayez 