Troy Wiggins, PRSA Member Spotlight
Posted on Oct. 21, 2021 / Membership / Subscribe 0
As the interactive communications manager at Rhodes College, Troy Wiggins puts his experience from non-profit programming, science fiction and fantasy writing, and strategic thinking to good use.
At Rhodes, he’s responsible for creating, publishing and adapting brand-aligned content that is shared with the internal community and with external audiences. “I’ve been here since November 2020. Prior to that, I worked as a non-profit program manager and trainer domestically, an educator with experience in classrooms from K-12 to college both domestically and abroad, and I’m an award-winning science fiction and fantasy writer and editor.
The Art of Storytelling
Troy arrived at Rhodes at the height of the global pandemic, which meant the campus was closed to staff and the public. Since returning to campus this fall, he’s enjoyed connecting with his team in the Office of Communications, meeting stakeholders, and learning more about Rhodes’ history and community.
“We are responsible for telling the human stories of the organizations we represent,” he says. “This is an evergreen quality, but the ways that we tell stories are always changing, and there is always so much room to innovate.”
Prior to Rhodes, he spent 15 years working in various roles in the nonprofit sector, with much of his experience in programming. “I understood how important personal narratives and client stories were to my organization’s mission. I would often assist fundraisers and communications staff with telling those stories and creating campaigns, which is what sparked my interest in this work,” he says.
He’s also carried that love of storytelling and public relations to another arena. “As an emerging author, I am solely responsible for publicizing my own fiction and essay publications.”
As Halloween approaches, he’s getting preparing for National Novel Writing Month, which occurs every November. “I will be working to complete my third novel during this year’s #NaNoWriMo. Best of luck to anyone else undertaking the challenge, and remember not to stress yourself out!”
Engaging with PRSA Memphis
He’s enjoyed the webinars and virtual engagement opportunities offered by the PRSA Memphis chapter. Interacting with friends and colleagues on panel discussions and seeing them lean into their roles as experts in the field has been especially rewarding.
“I’m eager to learn more about PRSA Memphis and take advantage of all of the support and opportunities to connect,” he says, especially upcoming in-person events.
He’s interested in learning about upcoming technologies and solutions that will make our job as communicators easier. He’s also excited about the cultural shift that’s happening in the world that empowers us to tell more diverse, inclusive, and truthful stories about our organizations and the people who make these places amazing.
Mentorship Success
Troy highlights the need and benefit of strong mentors in the public relations and communications industry. His mentor, Dylan Sandifer helped to show him guidance and what principled leadership looks likeーqualities he holds in high esteem as he moves through his career.
“I also express great appreciation for some of the most impactful professionals I’ve been able to work alongside in my career—most of whom, I’d like to note, are Black women. They’ve helped me with mentorship, coaching, pro-tips and general advice during my nonprofit years, and especially during my time as a novice in this field,” he says.
Connect with Troy on Linkedin.
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