Strategic: Expertise in leveraging data-driven insights to develop forward-thinking content strategies that align with long-term organizational goals, reflecting a deep understanding of market trends and opportunities for innovation.
Achiever: A proven track record of executing complex projects and initiatives, transforming ideas into measurable successes through dedication and a results-oriented approach.
Relator: Builds strong, empathetic relationships with team members and stakeholders, focusing on user-centric design to enhance manageability and engagement in technology tools and content.
Arranger: Skilled in orchestrating resources and team dynamics to optimize productivity and efficiency, adept at managing change and facilitating cross-functional collaboration for project success.
Futuristic: Visionary in driving initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a commitment to creating content and strategies that anticipate and shape future trends and needs.
National Awards: 9
Regional Awards: 5
National Conference Presentations: 3
Digital Content Strategy & Transformation
With a robust background as a Digital Content Strategist and a track record of pioneering digital transformation initiatives, I leverage data-driven insights to develop and implement forward-thinking strategies that enhance organizational efficiency and engagement. My expertise spans launching comprehensive intranets, orchestrating cross-functional collaborations, and aligning digital content with long-term business goals. I transform complex projects into measurable successes, fostering innovation and ensuring seamless user experiences.
Creative Direction & Visual Storytelling
As a seasoned Creative Director and Graphic Designer, my passion lies in crafting compelling visual narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. My extensive experience includes leading creative and technical development for web and print media, enhancing brand identities, and driving user engagement through innovative design. By integrating design thinking and user-centric principles, I empower brands to tell their stories effectively, achieving remarkable user engagement and brand loyalty.
UX/UI Design & User-Centric Innovation
Specializing in UX/UI design, I am committed to creating intuitive and accessible digital experiences that prioritize user needs and preferences. My approach involves meticulous research, empathetic design, and ongoing testing to ensure that digital products are not only visually appealing but also highly functional. Educating and mentoring in cutting-edge design technologies, I prepare the next generation of designers to adopt a user-centered perspective in their creations.
Leadership in Collaborative Projects & Team Innovation
With a proven ability to lead and inspire teams, I excel in building strong, empathetic relationships with stakeholders and fostering environments of collaboration and innovation. My experience as a program director and team leader has enabled me to drive projects that require intricate coordination and dynamic resource management. I thrive in settings that demand cross-functional collaboration and deliver projects that exceed expectations through strategic planning and collective creativity.
Branding & Strategic Marketing Expertise
Leveraging extensive experience in branding and strategic marketing, I create and implement marketing strategies that elevate brand awareness and engage target audiences. From directing brand and marketing design for global tourism to developing targeted campaigns, my approach integrates analytical insights with creative execution. Recognized with numerous awards, my work enhances online presence, maximizes community engagement, and drives impactful storytelling.
Design-for-Good Initiatives & Community Engagement
Dedicated to harnessing the power of design to foster positive social change, my work extends beyond traditional boundaries to spearhead design-for-good initiatives that benefit the broader community. With a keen focus on human-centered design, I lead efforts to create elevated experiences that engage and empower, fostering a sense of belonging and community within and outside organizational settings. I strive to ensure each project meets its immediate goals and contributes to a larger narrative of innovation, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
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, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences | 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
Heritage Academy, Columbus, MS
Program Director and Visual and Media Arts Instructor | July 2009 – July 2010, July 2013 – July 2017
International Expeditions, Helena, AL
Art Director | Oct 2007 – Feb 2009
Clark Creative, Savannah, GA
Business Manager and Graphic Designer | Oct 2006 – May 2007
Columbus First Methodist, Columbus, MS
Communications Director | July 2003 – Aug 2005
Sandy Blair Photography, Columbus, MS
Photographer and Graphic Designer | July 2003- August 2005
Columbus Historic Foundation, Columbus, MS
Public Relations Intern | May 2000- November 2001
The Spectator, Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS
Managing Editor | August 2000- December 2001
CERTIFICATES & SPECIALIZATIONS
EDUCATION & CONTINUED LEARNING
Master of Fine Art, Graphic Design
Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA
Award-winning portfolio and community engagement work.
Bachelor of Science, Communications
Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS
Dual-focus on journalism and public relations with a minor in history.
ADDITIONAL COURSES & TRAINING:
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 and Learning Management: Salesforce, Articulate
Operating Systems: Macintosh (primary) and PC
National Awards:
Regional Awards:
Professional Awards:
Including steps from concept to completion: governance, branding, marketing, content design and development.
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
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)
Professional Affiliations:
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/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.
Representing the University of Tennessee, Knoxville:
Representing UT Extension:
Representing the Department of Family & Consumer Science:
Department of Health and Human Sciences:
HHS – CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
HHS – Administration on Community Aging:
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture:
Tennessee Department of Labor:
• SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP ET/SKILL UP Tennessee), 2018-present
Robert Wood Johnson:
• Well Connected Communities, 2019-present
The following are examples:
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
I created an alum magazine from concept to completion to drive interest in the school, increase alum relations and establish a more extensive alum database. I serviced the magazine through its 5th year, building a readership of over 75,000. I also worked to streamline their social media presence and created numerous branding and marketing materials.
The Magic City Blues Society, Birmingham, AL
An all-volunteer nonprofit membership association dedicated to preserving and performing the blues.
Established a branded printed and digital newsletter to promote and bring in blues musicians to the area. The newsletter also supported blues education and general awareness of blues as the first American form of music. I photographed musicians, performances, and venues and traveled to blues festivals and events to capture the heart of this musical art form and bring to life the stories of the living blues legends while we still could. I also sketched a series of charcoal renderings of blues artists that have been sold and auctioned around the southeastern USA.
America’s Second Harvest, Savannah, GA
Leader in the effort to end hunger and improve lives.
Photojournalist
Partnered to create a book that juxtaposed realities and assumptions surrounding Savannah’s homeless living in tent communities. I was allowed trusted access to photograph the residents and ask questions about who they were, why they were there, and if they would be interested in leaving or why not. The book was printed and freely distributed across Chatham County, Georgia, effectively raising awareness of the realities of these personal experiences and the legalities they faced. This book established a conversation that led to the development of a place for the homeless to groom and have access to phones and computers in a first-step effort to create dignity when applying for work. Additionally, it helped to create more beds in the area to better meet the needs of the homeless.