Introducing Paige Rogers, Marketing Manager 

This story is part of a series introducing the seven new content positions that report to University Strategic Marketing within University Marketing and Communication and are embedded in the four colleges and other key departments across campus. 

Paige Rogers, Marketing Manager for the Center for Adult Learner Success (CALS), was born and raised in Murray, Kentucky. Through her years in higher education as an undergraduate student, student worker, graduate student and now full-time employee, she has countless experiences and knowledge to bring to her current role at the University. It’s her hope that her creative perspective, extroverted nature and love for people will work alongside the mission of USI to further enhance a culture of inclusivity and ensure there’s room for everyone at USI no matter where they are in their life and career.  

What college or department do you represent and where are you located?  

I serve as the Marketing Manager for the Center for Adult Learner Success, which is located on the third floor of the Health Professions Building. My office is HP 3074.  

What is your background in marketing and communication?  

I graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing in 2013. During my undergraduate experience, I was able to study abroad in Germany and complete two internships at BBDO, a global advertising agency in New York City. Despite being offered a full-time job at the agency, I returned home to Murray, Kentucky, as city life just wasn't for me. From there, I worked as a project manager and copywriter at Innovations Branding House in Paducah, Kentucky, before returning to my alma mater to serve as Marketing Coordinator for Murray State University's College of Education and Human Services. As an employee of Murray State, I entered graduate school, earning a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing at the age of 30. That's when it was time to set my sights on other horizons and found my current position at the University of Southern Indiana.  

Why is USI and this new position a good fit for you?  

I have served as Marketing Manager for USI's Center for Adult Learner Success (CALS) since the unit's first day on July 6, 2021. This role combines my passions for marketing, higher education and the continuous pursuit of self-improvement. USI's academic excellence, its people and its culture make this an ideal place to call home. 

How are you getting to know the area you represent, the people who work there and the important work being done in this area?  

My role is unique in that I'm part of the original team who established the Center for Adult Learner Success. We were all hired individually (our director, two intake specialists, three support specialists and me, the marketing manager) and met on day one of the job. The leadership team that put our unit together must have been able to foresee the future because we all meshed so well from the beginning. To be part of our team is pretty special, and I don’t know that anyone could fully appreciate it unless they lived it. 

For the first two weeks on campus, each day was filled with meetings. It was a revolving door of meet-and-greets, which, as an extrovert, was so nice. Our director, Kristie, is also a certified life coach and an all-around fantastic human; she was and is our rock. From the start, she has empowered us to learn. I remember her saying, “Let’s give ourselves the grace to be new.” That really set the stage for what was to come. 

Through our grant from the Lilly Endowment, the Center had certain targets to meet, but how we reached those targets was up to us. We often explained, “We’re building this ship as we’re rowing it.” Nearly two years out, I couldn’t be prouder of the ship we’ve built—and we’ve had a lot of fun in the process! You really can’t ask for more than that. 

In this role, how are you promoting and raising the visibility of the college/department/area you are representing?  

Because CALS is fairly new to the University, promoting the Center and raising the visibility of our services has been of the utmost importance. We're here to demystify the higher ed experience for adult students, collaborate with regional employers to upskill their workforce and partner with academic programs and other student support services on campus to streamline institutional processes and increase enrollment. This work is being accomplished through a variety of collaborative and marketing efforts.  

What would you like the USI community to know about you?  

As an adult learner myself and part of the LGBTQ+ community, I feel deep compassion for more marginalized populations. Therefore, my role in helping to develop the foundation for and continued operations of the Center for Adult Learner Success means so much to me. Traditionally, colleges and universities have targeted 16- to 20-year-olds. As a society, this has led to other populations feeling like outsiders who may think higher education isn't intended for them. The truth is, there isn't one "right" path for everyone; we don't all have such linear experiences, and everyone deserves access to continued learning. 

What is something that not many people would know about you?  

I am an avid concert-goer, typically attending one or more live events each month. My favorite genres of music include Americana, alternative rock, indie and folk. The Killers is my favorite band. 

Any favorite hobbies or interests you want to share?  

I enjoy photography; some of my work can be found online at FlashAlchemy.com. I'm obsessed with dogs - most notably, my corgi girl, Rosie. I've been a vegetarian since I was eight years old and am a big fan of pasta. 

You can reach Paige by visiting her in her office located at HP 3074 or reaching her via email at kprogers@usi.edu or by phone at 812-465-1126.  

This piece was written by University Strategic Communication Graduate Student Shaila Dalrymple.