From the Nominator

"With the COVID-19 restrictions implemented during the 2020-21 school year, the College of Nursing at Brigham Young University could not sponsor any in-person events. To fill this void and provide students with information, the college created The College Handoff, a weekly podcast series devoted to sharing nursing careers and professional insight to undergraduate students. 

The project began in July 2020 by surveying 384 undergraduate students to understand their podcast listening habits and discover how each show should be structured. The College received a 43% response rate and learned students wanted a replacement for the 10 live alumni events previously offered. Data found the ideal length (27 minutes), the best day to release new shows (Tuesday), and what components to include (career information, recruiter tips, and nursing how-tos).  

The show was produced by College Public Relations and Communications Manager Jeff L. Peery. It was co-hosted by Corbin Smith (a public relations student) and Adia Hansen (a third-semester nursing student). Behind the scenes, Donovan Kelly (a photography student) worked as the production sound mixer and Alex Coleman (an English major) helped write episode talking points and scripts. Each person’s unique talents and skillsets were combined to produce a new production each week.  

Now our students have a dedicated, streamlined communication channel they trust. The podcast allowed 57 nursing alumni guests to share information with students, including 42 alumni (goal of 25). It allowed students to learn from alumni and recruiters—even during a pandemic where in-person events needed to be canceled."

From the Judges

A great podcasting model from research to maximising student and alumni talent to produce and guest. Good use of funds to get equipment to produce high-quality audio content. Loved how it was promoted as a means to enhance careers.