Heidi Wells has been named employee of the first quarter by the University of Arkansas Global Campus.

Wells, content strategist on the marketing and communications team at Global Campus, was nominated for her outstanding work writing insightful news articles, creating and managing an online blog, and for playing a vital role in the recent Razorbug Diploma Tour.

"The Razorbug Diploma Tour last summer in which Global Campus and U of A staff and faculty members traveled through 43 counties in the state to celebrate the success of online learners was the experience of a lifetime for me," Wells said. "I was privileged to meet many graduates and to learn their stories and help share those stories to inspire others to consider changing their lives through online education. I'm grateful for all the opportunities I have received to grow, learn and support Global Campus efforts since returning to the U of A last fall."

Wells serves as editor of The Online Learner, the blog that promotes innovative online education, as well as writing for the blog. She also writes stories for Arkansas News and three Global Campus websites. She edits articles and promotional materials for other Global Campus staff members even as she creates both written and visual content to promote U of A online degree programs and professional and workforce development courses. Wells uses her extensive skills and institutional knowledge to enhance the brands of the Global Campus and the entire U of A.

Co-workers who nominated Wells praised her work on the Summer 2022 Razorbug Diploma Tour. Her news articles appeared in both U of A and exterior news sites. Her efforts increased recognition of our online degree program both across campus and around the state.

"Heidi worked outside during presentations, student interviews, and scheduled public photo opportunities with the Razorbug for three weeks in extreme heat this summer," said Kay Murphy, director of marketing and communications. "When each day was done, she continued to work, writing stories that were published in hometown newspapers (print and digital) and sending photos and information used on social media. Heidi's energy and enthusiasm helped invigorate the tour team, keeping the U of A spirit soaring week after week. Heidi also spent two weeks scouting locations for the tour, ensuring a better tour outcome."

Wells has helped the Global Campus add another layer to its marketing efforts through her outstanding work in content marketing strategy and by sharing her depth of communications knowledge as a veteran in the newspaper industry and as the former director of communications for the College of Education and Health Professions.

Cheryl Murphy, vice provost for distance education and head of the Global Campus, recognized Wells as the employee of the quarter at the October staff meeting.

"Heidi is moving the needle forward in marketing and communications," Cheryl Murphy said. "She is really shining a light on us through the work that she's doing. She's a mentor, a collaborator and a team player. Heidi and her work are amazing."

Wells joined the marketing and communications team in November 2021. She has also worked many years as a newspaper editor, reporter and page designer.

The Global Campus awards the employee of the quarter to recognize outstanding achievements and accomplishments that relate to the unit's goals and the U of A mission. The award recipient receives a commemorative certificate and a monetary award. The four quarterly awardees may then be eligible to become the Global Campus Employee of the Year.

Other first quarter nominees include:

• Ann Gallaher, assistant to the vice provost for distance education
• Bob Hinton, senior instructional designer in instructional design and support services
• Vicki Martin, assistant to the director of marketing and communications
• Shelly Pryor, financial affairs specialist in financial affairs and human resources

The Global Campus supports the U of A academic colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online degree programs and courses, self-paced online courses, and workforce development programs. This unit provides instructional design services, learning technology support, media production services, and assistance with financial administration, recruitment and marketing.

The Global Campus also supports the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship, which is open to undergraduate and graduate students studying in online degree programs.