Andrea Kieckhefer
Creative Services, Branding & Publications Manager
Biography
Andrea Kieckhefer has served as the manager of creative services and branding at ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ since 2011. She joined the university in 2005, first as news editor and later as publications editor within University Marketing and Communications.
Before returning to her alma mater, Kieckhefer worked for Grit and Capper’s magazines in Topeka, Kansas. She began as an assistant editor, advanced to managing editor and ultimately was named editor-in-chief.
A Brandon, South Dakota, native, Kieckhefer earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ in 1999. After graduation, she covered the South Dakota legislative session for The Associated Press in Pierre and later served as special sections editor for the Tri-State Neighbor in Sioux Falls.
Before returning to her alma mater, Kieckhefer worked for Grit and Capper’s magazines in Topeka, Kansas. She began as an assistant editor, advanced to managing editor and ultimately was named editor-in-chief.
A Brandon, South Dakota, native, Kieckhefer earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ in 1999. After graduation, she covered the South Dakota legislative session for The Associated Press in Pierre and later served as special sections editor for the Tri-State Neighbor in Sioux Falls.
Academic and Professional Experience
Academic Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders seeking guidance and support on brand, marketing and communication initiatives.
- Support the development and execution of short- and long-term marketing strategies that promote the university and its associated programs and activities.
- Maintain and update the university’s Graphic Identity Manual, including proposing revisions through the established governance process.
- Provide oversight and leadership for University Marketing and Communications’ cost-recovery operations and business model as it relates to creative services and photography, including establishing production priorities and timelines.
- Manage the production of recruitment materials, strategic publications, advertisements and other university-related marketing collateral.
- Maintain vendor relationships and oversee the review and approval of all apparel and merchandise within the university’s Trademark and Licensing Program.
- Provide creative direction and editorial support for all university-related magazines produced by UMC.
- Oversee a team of three graphic designers and the university photographer.
- Coordinate with external print vendors, including managing print specifications, competitive bids and production timelines for large-scale or high-visibility projects.
Committees and Professional Memberships
- International Collegiate Licensing Association
Work Experience
- Publications editor, University Relations, Brookings
- News editor, University Relations, Brookings
- Editor-in-chief, Grit and Capper’s magazines, Ogden Publications, Topeka, Kansas
- Managing editor, Grit and Capper’s magazines, Ogden Publications, Topeka, Kansas
- Assistant editor, Capper’s Magazine, Ogden Publications, Topeka, Kansas
- Special sections editor, Tri-State Neighbor, Sioux Falls
- Editorial assistant, The Associated Press, Pierre
- Reporter, Community News Service, Pierre
Research and Scholarly Work
Awards and Honors
- CASE VI Gold Certificate for Internal Audience Publications: Print – IMPACT State, 2016
- CASE VI Bronze Certificate for Institution Relations Publications: President's Reports and Annual Reports, 2016
- CASE VI Silver Certificate for Institutional Relations Publications: Research Publications – Research Report, 2015
- CASE VI Silver Certificate for Special Events: Multi-Day – McFadden Symposium on Wheat Improvement, 2015
- CASE VI Silver Certificate for Internal Audience Publications: Print – IMPACT State Newsletter, 2015
- CASE VI Bronze Certificate for Institutional Relations Publications: Research Publications – Engineering Research, 2014
- CASE VI Gold Certificate for Institutional Relations Publications – President's Reports and Annual Reports, 2014
- CASE VI Gold Certificate for Photography – Individual Photographs, 2014
- CASE VI Silver Certificate for Institutional Relations Publications – Research Publications, 2014
- CASE VI Bronze Certificate for Magazines – Special Issues, 2014
- CASE VI Gold Certificate for Periodical Special Issue, 2013
- CASE VI Silver Certificate for Periodical Special Issue, 2013
Associated Areas
