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Lykins appointed lead University spokesperson

There’s a new associate vice president for Communication and Marketing.Karen Lykins was promoted from news and communication director.

“I am excited, and I am looking forward to working with my team,” Lykins said. “Tennessee Tech is the one of the best places to work. Every day you do something different, so I never felt dull or boring while I was a director.

“Our University is technological, so we take full advantage of technology to send out our message via social media and web.”

Lykins received her Bachelor in Communication-Broadcasting in 1986 from the University of Tennessee and her Master of Arts in Journalism-Public Relations in 2006 from the University of Memphis.

Lykins is replacing Monica Greppin, who was hired as a communication director by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

As an associate vice president for communications and marketing, Lykins is the primary media spokesperson for the University. She will supervise the communication and marketing office, which coordinates and supports the University and enhances recognition and image through the media.

Lykins’ colleagues were quick to compliment her skill set and work ethic.

“I’ve known Karen for the last three years,” said Matthew Gann, Web and Digital Media director, “and she is an amazing leader and strategic thinker.”

Lykins started at Tech as a public affairs writer, promoting a positive image of the University in her role as a writer and a media liaison, both in house and externally. In 2003, she was promoted to news and communication director, where she supervised staff writers and coordinated assignments and media relations.

In 2005, Lykins was hired as an adjunct journalism professor, and she became a member and treasurer of Tennessee College Public Relations Association and member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. She volunteers for the locally-owned television station WCTE as an on-air pledge-drive host and on-air Great TV Auction host.

She was honored in 2010 with the Tennessee College Public Relations Association Charles Holmes Award for Service. She also received the 2007 Outstanding Professional Award from Tech.

“From having known and worked with Karen for more than seven years, I’m happy and excited for her in this new position,” said Tracey Hackett, writer and adjunct journalism professor. “I know she has the experience, the knowledge and the vision to do the job well and bring many positive advantages to the University in this new role.”

For more information about Lykins, visit www2.tntech.edu/techtimes/2007/07_04/04_13/lykins.html.