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KEANmag
#KeanStories
Historically speaking, when prospective students set out on their search
for the right college or university, they are looking for environments that
offer world-class programs, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art
facilities. However, just as importantly, they are also looking for a place
to fit in; a place to call “home.”
Fortunately for students today, this information is easily accessible; the
ability to view and better understand Kean University’s campus life,
community accomplishments, and multitude of opportunities afforded
from a Kean education is available to them 24/7, through the window
provided by the University’s social media accounts.
Prior to the May 2016 Undergraduate Commencement, Kean Social
started a campaign called #KeanStories; a campus version of the
“Humans Of New York” account created by the 2016 Undergraduate
Commencement Speaker Brandon Stanton. Like its predecessor,
#KeanStories creates a deeper sense of community by connecting and
engaging current students, prospective students, their families, alumni,
faculty, staff, and the local community.
This is achieved through the sharing of stories, in the words and images
of the people who lived them. These stories encompass a myriad of
relatable and inspiring topics; from life growing up within the foster care
system, to winning the fight against overwhelming injury, disease, or
financial hardship, to grieving the loss of a loved one. From professors
working alongside students to spark a change in their community, and
Authentic Student Stories
Drive Kean's Social Media
KEANews
New Jersey Senators standing behind the Kean mission, to coaches
winning prestigious awards, and veterans helping one another
transition into civilian life; these stories highlight and connect the
diverse individuals that make up the Kean University community.
Kean Social has also taken a new approach to connecting alumni, current,
and prospective students. By collecting advice from Kean Alumni on
LinkedIn, the “Tuesday Tips” campaign uses student photos of campus,
paired with the alumni advice, to create a dialogue between the past
and present Kean community, inviting everyone to join the conversation.
Even the professors chimed in, praising their past students for their
commendable advice to the younger generation headed to college. The
campaign helps to create an authentic timeline, showing growth from
current Kean student to well beyond graduation, while simultaneously
encouraging new and prospective students to get involved at Kean and
share in the journey.
Since its creation, Kean Social has implemented campaigns to increase
the University’s ability to respond to, and engage with, members of the
entire Kean community. Their work exemplifies Kean Pride, by creating
a sense of unity through the sharing of personal stories, advice, YouTube
videos, and news highlighting the accomplishments of students,
faculty and alumni. In this way, Kean Social manages to showcase the
very cornerstone of the University Mission; celebrating the diversity of
individuals, while simultaneously connecting them with the thread of
commonality.
