EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College proudly announces that Brett Rowlett, Executive Director of External Affairs, has been honored with the title of National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) District 7 Communicator of the Year. This accolade is a testament to Rowlett's unparalleled dedication, leadership, and impact in the realm of college communications and marketing.
The Communicator of the Year award is one of NCMPR’s highest honors, spotlighting an individual within two-year college marketing, public relations, or communications who has shown remarkable leadership and innovation. NCMPR District 7 encompasses regions including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Yukon Territory.
“This award is not just a reflection of my contributions, but of the collective efforts of so many who believe in the transformative power of education,” said Rowlett. “I'm proud to represent Lane Community College and the broader educational community of NCMPR District 7."
Before joining Lane Community College in 2008, Rowlett showcased his unwavering commitment to students and education at the Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC). There, he played a pivotal role in the historic expansion of the Oregon Opportunity Grant, the state's need-based aid program. His dedication to higher education and student welfare was further illuminated during his tenure as an organizer and legislative director with the Oregon Student Association. In this capacity, he ardently championed student rights, advocated for affordable textbook policies, and led a campaign in Eugene with college students to rejuvenate rental housing protections.
At Lane Community College, Rowlett has continued his influential journey adeptly taking the helm of communications, college relations, marketing, and printing and graphics efforts. He has overseen the award winning website overhaul, a successful $121.5 million bond campaign, and communication efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. One notable peak in his illustrious career came in 2017 when First Lady Michelle Obama invited him to the White House. Rowlett spoke passionately about the pivotal roles of healthcare access and civic engagement for college students, furthering the college's reputation on a national scale.
“It's incredibly humbling to be recognized in this way,” said Rowlett. “While individual accolades are heartening, the real reward lies in seeing the tangible impact of our collective efforts on our students and our community.”
Brett is not only an esteemed professional but also an avid learner. He is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota and the University of Oregon, with a keen focus on political science, state government and communications. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Rowlett actively serves in leadership roles across various esteemed organizations, including the Oregon Student Foundation Board of Directors, the League of Women Voters of Lane County Advisory Board, the United Way of Lane County, and the Oregon Country Fair.
When not immersed in his professional and philanthropic endeavors, Brett is passionate about traveling, reading, and indulging in live music. He is an outdoors enthusiast with a love for camping and kayaking. Above all, he deeply cherishes time spent with his wife Tonya, daughters Jade and Luna, and their beloved Boston terrier, Gaia.
The NCMPR District 7 award sets the stage for the national accolade, where district winners are in the running for the national Communicator of the Year title. This national conference is slated for March 2024 in Seattle.
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.