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With over 20 years of experience across higher education, nonprofit, and creative sectors, I bring a unique blend of strategic leadership, digital innovation, and content expertise to mission-driven organizations. Whether building platforms from the ground up or elevating institutional messaging, I specialize in crafting systems that connect people with purpose—backed by results, data, and insight.

Top Strengths (Gallup®)

Strategic: Sees patterns and possibilities others miss; aligns vision with action to navigate complexity and drive clarity.

Achiever: Thrives on momentum and progress; consistently delivers meaningful results through sustained effort.

Relator: Builds trust-based relationships that foster alignment, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Arranger: Skilled at managing complexity, optimizing workflows, and coordinating moving parts for seamless execution.

Futuristic: Oriented toward what’s next; brings a forward-thinking lens to planning, innovation, and creative problem-solving.

National Awards: 9
Regional Awards: 5
National Conference Presentations: 3

Expertise & Impact

Brings a rare combination of systems thinking and design thinking to complex organizations—balancing structure, scale, and strategy with empathy, usability, and creativity. Informed by deep experience across large institutions and multi-layered networks, able to see the big picture while designing practical, human-centered solutions. Skilled at bridging silos, aligning priorities, and building communication systems that support long-term growth and adaptability.

Designs and implements organization-wide communication strategies that align messaging with mission, strengthen visibility, and support audience engagement. Builds scalable content ecosystems—including intranets, toolkits, and campaign frameworks—that connect goals across departments and leadership teams.

Leads full-cycle digital projects—from content strategy and UX design to implementation and adoption. Proven success launching external websites, intranet and digital resource platforms for large, multi-audience organizations—ensuring accessibility, usability, and long-term value.

Collaborates across organizational structures to streamline workflows, align brand messaging, and integrate content strategy with operations, advancement, and outreach. Trusted advisor to leadership and partner in high-stakes change initiatives.

Translates complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with diverse stakeholders. Experienced in developing branded content for public campaigns, internal initiatives, research and innovation, and mission-driven storytelling.

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PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

(Full employment details, responsibilities, and achievements available in my resume ).

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
– Content Strategist, College of Arts and Sciences (May 2024 – present)
– Digital Content Strategist, Office of Communication and Marketing (March 2023 – May 2024)
– Creative Content Specialist, UT Extension FCS, UTIA (April 2018 – Oct 2022)

Southern New Hampshire University, Global/Online
– Adjunct Faculty, Graphic Design and Media Arts UX/UI (March 2023 – present)

Chenoa Creative, Southeastern USA
– Freelance Art Director and Graphic Designer (Jan 2005 – present)

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CERTIFICATES & EDUCATION

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialization: UC Davis
• AI Product Management: Duke University
• UI / UX Design Specialization: CalArts
• Salesforce Sales Operations Specialization: Salesforce Pathstream
• Certified Journalism Educator: NSPA

Master of Art, Graphic Design
Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA
– Award-winning portfolio and recognized for contributions to community engagement

Bachelor of Science, Communications
Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS
– Concentration in Journalism & Public Relations, with a minor in History.

continuing education courses:

• Addressing Unconscious Bias as a Leader
• Coaching Skills for Leaders and Managers
• Critical Thinking
• Transformational Leadership
• Leadership Foundations
• Ken Blanchard on Servant Leadership
• Leadership Foundations: Leadership Styles and Models
• HighEd Web Leadership Academy

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PROFICIENCIES & TOOLS

Design and Creative Software: Adobe Creative Suite, Studio Arts, Photography (Nikon/Canon digital SLR/35mm), Videography

Web Development and Design: UI, UX, HTML, CSS, WordPress, SharePoint

Productivity and Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Office 365, SharePoint, Teams), Google Applications (Docs, Sheets, Analytics, Data Studio, Classroom, Slides, Analytics), Asana, Trello, Bootcamp

CRM: Salesforce, HubSpot

Learning Management: Articulate

Operating Systems: Macintosh (primary) and PC

RECENT AWARDS AND HONORS

National Awards:

• Outstanding Educator Award; SNHU 2024
• 1st Place – Social Media Education | NEAFCS, 2022
• 2nd Place – Social Marketing Series | NEAFCS, 2022
• 3rd Place – Video/Television | NEAFCS, 2022
• 3rd Place – Social Media | NEAFCS, 2021
• Silver – Scholarly Poster | ACE, 2021
• Bronze – Logo Design | ACE, 2021
• Bronze – Marketing Communications Campaign | ACE, 2021

Regional Awards:

• 1st Place – Social Media Education | TEAFCS, 2022
• 2nd Place – Social Marketing Series | TEAFCS, 2022
• Diversity Team Award – UCDA Affinity Group | TN ESP Omega Chapter, 2021
• 1st Place – Video Series | TEAFCS, 2021
• Award of Appreciation – Logo Design | ESP Tennessee Omega Chapter, 2020

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PROFESSIONAL EDGE

Beyond strategy and leadership, I bring specialized expertise in the mechanics and nuances that elevate execution—from the first draft to final delivery. My work is grounded in a commitment to accessibility, clarity, and audience-centered design, with a deep understanding of how to move seamlessly from big-picture strategy to pixel-perfect output.

• Print & Digital Production Expertise – Fluency in printing processes, asset optimization, and end-to-end production workflows ensures quality and consistency across mediums.
• Accessibility & Inclusive Design – Skilled in WCAG compliance and inclusive content practices to ensure equitable, user-friendly digital experiences.
• Strategic Messaging – Clear, compelling messaging tailored for stakeholders at every level—from executive leadership to grassroots community audiences.
• Executive-Level Advising – Trusted advisor to leadership teams, providing strategic counsel on communications, digital transformation, and platform design.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Proven ability to connect teams across disciplines, align goals, and streamline content operations.
• Audience-Centered Engagement – Content and design that resonate with real people—anchored in empathy, usability, and brand integrity.

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WEBSITE EXPERIENCE

Including steps from concept to completion: governance, branding, marketing, content design and development.

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PREVIOUSLY MANAGED SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS

UT Extension FCS: @utextensionfcs, #utextensionfcs
LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest
Manage social recommendations and coordination for 95 county state Extension offices.
Managed social media campaigns for dozens of FCS-sponsored programs.

AIGA Knoxville: @AIGAknoxville
Facebook, Twitter

Skill Up Tennessee: @SkillUpTN
Facebook

Heritage Academy: @hapatsbanner

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NATIONAL CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS

Sergent, K., Bates, M., Towman, J. & Pickett, C. Cultural Competency Across Extension – A Roadmap for Administrators. Presentation at the Extension Leadership Conference, Joint Council of Extension Professionals, Virtually (2022)

Sergent, K., Bowers, A., Urban and Culturally Diverse Audiences Affinity Group Charter and informational presentations. Epsilon Sigma Phi National Conference, Savannah, GA (2021)

Sergent, K., Bowers, A., Madhosingh-Hector, R. & Bates, M. Rethinking the Extension Toolbox – A Focus on Culturally Diverse Audiences. Session presentation at the Extension Leadership Conference, Joint Council of Extension Professionals, Virtually (2021)

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AFFILIATIONS

Professional Affiliations:

American Marketing Association 2024-present

AIGA Tennessee (formerly AIGA Knoxville) 2018-2022
Professional Organization for design
VP and Educational Chair, served on the committee to consolidate AIGA Tennessee chapters

Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) 2018-2022
Honorary Extension Professionals Organization

• National Marketing Committee
• National Urban and Culturally Diverse Audiences Affinity Group, Engagement Chair (former co-chair)
• National Web Design Committee
• Omega (Tennessee) Chapter Board Member, Engagement Chair

National/Tennessee Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences 2018-2022
The main organization for Family and Consumer Sciences as a profession.

Community Affiliations:

Knoxville Area Urban League, Member 2022-2024
An affiliate of the National Urban League, is dedicated to empowering communities and changing lives.

United Way of Knoxville, Information and Technology Committee 2018-2022
Promotes health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.

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COMMITTEE EXPERIENCE

Representing the University of Tennessee, Knoxville:

• Intranet Hub Advisory Committee, member representing colleges 2023-present
• Intranet Templating Committee, Digital Strategist 2023-2024

Representing the College of Arts and Sciences, UT Knoxville:

• Process Improvement (2025-present)

Representing UT Extension:

• Extension Strategic Plan Implementation (2022-2024),
  Goal Team: Fostering greater engagement of diverse communities
• Visibility Committee, standing member and state representative (2018-2022)
  Storytelling sub-committee

Representing the Department of Family & Consumer Science:

• Marketing Committee, standing member 2018-2022
• Professional Development Conference 2023
• Publications and Peer Review 2020-2022
• Supervisory Retreat 2022, chair
• Technology and Innovations Leadership Team, chair 2018-2022
• Web/IT Committee, standing member 2018-2022

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GRANT ROLES & PARTNERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Department of Health and Human Sciences:

• Administration on Community Living (Matter of Balance) May 2021
• Chronic Disease Program, May 2021
• SNAP-ED (Tennessee Nutrition Consumer Education Program), April 2018
• Suicide Prevention, 2021

HHS – CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Tennessee Extension Vaccine Education and Outreach Project, 2021-present
• EXCITE Vaccinate with Confidence, June 2021

HHS – Administration on Community Aging:

• Community Aging Initiative, 2020-present

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture:

• Preventing Rural Opioid Misuse Through Partnerships and Training (PROMPT TN), 2019-present
• Time to Talk: Facilitating Cost of Care Conversations, 2020-present

Tennessee Department of Labor:

• SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP ET/SKILL UP Tennessee), 2018-present

Robert Wood Johnson:

• Well Connected Communities, 2019-present

COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, Columbus, MS
Ranked #6 public high school with the #1 ranked faculty in America.
Freelance Art Director and Graphic Designer

• Conceptualized, designed, and launched an alumni magazine to drive engagement, strengthen alumni relations, and expand the school’s alumni database.
• Grew readership to over 75,000 while managing the publication for five consecutive years.
• Streamlined the school’s social media presence and developed branding and marketing materials that enhanced its visibility and outreach.

The Magic City Blues Society, Birmingham, AL
An all-volunteer nonprofit membership association dedicated to preserving and performing the blues.

• Established a branded print and digital newsletter to spotlight blues musicians, promote local performances, and support blues education initiatives.
• Captured the spirit of the blues through photography and documentary-style storytelling, traveling to festivals and venues to preserve the legacy of living blues legends.
• Created a charcoal portrait series of blues artists, with original works sold and auctioned across the Southeastern U.S. to support blues heritage preservation.

America’s Second Harvest, Savannah, GA
Leader in the effort to end hunger and improve lives.
Photojournalist

• Co-developed a documentary book revealing the realities and misconceptions surrounding Savannah’s homeless living in tent communities.
• Gained trusted access to photograph and interview residents, amplifying their voices and humanizing their experiences.
• The book’s impact led to tangible change, including:
  • The establishment of a first-step resource center providing access to grooming stations, phones, and computers to help individuals apply for jobs.
  • An increase in shelter beds, directly addressing the immediate needs of the city’s homeless population.

If you have read through my experience, I want to say thank you. I appreciate your interest and time.