The Division of Outreach and Community Engagement at the University of Central Arkansas has won an International Award in lifelong learning for “Best Marketing” for the Women’s Leadership Network. The award was presented by the Learning Resources Network (LERN), the largest association in continuing education in the world. 

“Our division is honored to receive this international award, and we are very proud of our marketing team’s accomplishments,” said Dr. Shaneil Ealy, associate vice president for Outreach and Community Engagement.

The award was presented during the LERN conference in Savannah, Ga., and was one of only 20 given at the annual conference, which was attended by more than 650 professionals from three countries. 

“The award is for innovation in the field of continuing education and serving communities,” said LERN President William A. Draves. “With more than 1,000 organizations engaged in lifelong learning as members of LERN, winning an International Award is an outstanding event.” 

In announcing the award, Draves said, “LERN has long emphasized the value of developing programs for your primary market segments. Using LERN’s recommendations for customer analysis, the [UCA] Division of Outreach identified working women as a primary market segment. Responding to the needs of this group, the Women’s Leadership Network was created. Using a comprehensive integrated marketing approach involving 12 different marketing strategies — from a text club to door prizes. The program exceeded goals by large margins, attendance rates at events exceeded goals by 31 percent and the mentorship program saw an increase in participation from last year.”

For more information about the UCA Division of Outreach and Community Engagement or the Women’s Leadership Network, contact Kristy Carter, director of marketing for the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement, at 501.450.3139 or [email protected].