New ACC director of alumni relations launched communications career in Alpena
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ALPENA -- The new Alpena Community College Director of Alumni Relations has returned to Alpena where she kickstarted her communications career in 1997 working as a reporter for WBKB.
Laura Douglas spent most of her life in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a graduate of Arizona State University, where she received her bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism with a minor in political science, according to a Thursday press release from ACC.
She also attended the Institute on Political Journalism and Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. as part of a summer program and internship through the Fund for American Studies.
Douglas said she has spent 29 years working in the communications field, working in a variety of roles in media relations, public involvement, and community relations.
After working for WBKB, Douglas moved back to Arizona where she worked for eight years in television news in three different cities.
She transitioned to a communications role with the State of Arizona and worked in two different departments over a span of 21 years. In her most recent role, she was a communications project manager for the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Douglas moved to Alpena in late September with her husband and son. Her husband has family roots in the Alpena area.
"We are settling in and adjusting, and getting used to life again in Northeast Michigan," Douglas said.
She is excited to start connecting with ACC Alumni, letting them know about ACC programs, student success stories, and the many ways they can give back.
"It's a role that... includes a lot of different opportunities," Douglas said. "I'm glad to be here. It's a great community, both at ACC, and the community of Alpena."
Douglas will focus on connecting students and alumni, building relationships, and continuing the college's mission of telling its many success stories. She will also lead fundraising events and initiatives to further strengthen ACC's mission and far-reaching impact, according to the press release.
Douglas said she is looking forward to starting her role, but winters will take some getting used to.
"The winter will take some getting used to after sunny winters in Arizona," Douglas said. "I have experienced one winter in Alpena before. Hopefully that comes back to me quickly."
"I am honored to step into this role and the ACC community as we all work together to ensure that all students at ACC receive a high-quality, accessible and affordable education to not only provide them with their degrees, but to collectively prepare them for life after college and launch them into successful careers and opportunities," Douglas said in the press release. "It takes all of us--students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors--to continue the legacy of success that an ACC education offers."
Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@thealpenanews.com.