"see blue." Named Best College Social Media Campaign

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 14, 2012) — The University of Kentucky's "see blue." marketing campaign has been recognized by BestCollegesOnline.com as the best college social media campaign in the 2011-12 academic year.

The "see blue." campaign began in 2007 and recognizes the university's signature color, blue, as a symbol for the spirit of the university and the promise that a UK degree holds for students. A main component of the campaign incorporates a website, www.seeblue.com, for prospective students.

According to BestCollegesOnline.com, "the University of Kentucky has created an amazing portal for prospective students called 'see blue.' It offers videos and articles about real student experiences on campus; giving a very genuine impression of what attending the school is really like rather than the perfectly polished image that’s in most brochures.

Students can also find out how to connect with admissions advisers, take an online tour, ask questions about the school and even fill out their application online. The site essentially brings together everything prospective students could want or need in one easily accessible, seamless and highly interactive space."

The "see blue." campaign is a collaborative effort between UK's Office of Public Relations and Marketing, the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar and Cornett-IMS, the university's agency of record.

The Office of Undergraduate Admission launched Facebook and Twitter pages in the fall of 2011 to supplement www.seeblue.com and to allow prospective students to connect with the office in even more ways.

"Our Public Relations and Marketing staff has been very aggressive in developing, implementing and constantly refining our social media strategy, as this is increasingly the way prospective students make decisions about where to apply and where to attend college," UK President Eli Capilouto said. "It is therefore essential that the University of Kentucky be active across various platforms. Our clever and well-paced efforts are gaining national recognition. I am proud of our team as they leverage the university's strong brand in the ever-changing array of media."

"Today's high school student is more tech-savvy and information-seeking than ever," said Don Witt, vice provost for enrollment management. "It is a challenge, but also an opportunity, to connect with students in new ways. I am proud of the collaborative efforts between our office and Public Relations and Marketing to reach out to prospective students on the platforms they use the most."

"The interactive and honest nature of the campaign is what makes it most successful," said Kelley Bozeman, marketing director. "Prospective students want to know what it is really like to be a UK student, and that is what we aim to show them. We are lucky to have current students who love their university and want to share their experiences with us and with future Wildcats."

MEDIA CONTACT:  Katy Bennett, (859) 257-1909; katy.bennett@uky.edu