Dayna Rowe, executive director of External Affairs at Redlands Community College, has been recognized as the Natalea Watkins Communicator of the Year by the Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA), a statewide honor recognizing outstanding leadership and achievement in higher education.
Rowe joined Redlands in 2017 and has played a central role in strengthening the college’s communications, marketing and public engagement efforts. Her work has increased Redlands’ visibility across Oklahoma through strategic communication and marketing efforts.
“Dayna is an accomplished and innovative communicator whose leadership has elevated Redlands Community College and strengthened higher education across Oklahoma,” said Redlands President Jena Marr. “She has enhanced the Redlands brand, built strong relationships across our community and state, and advanced initiatives that support enrollment and student success. This honor is a well-deserved recognition of her remarkable impact.”
In her role, Rowe oversees institutional marketing, branding, public relations, digital strategy and community engagement. She manages key initiatives that support student recruitment, highlight academic programs, and strengthen connections with business, industry and local partners. She also leads the college’s crisis communication planning and plays a key role in legislative and public affairs efforts.
OCPRA’s Communicator of the Year award is given annually to a professional who demonstrates leadership that has had a positive influence on their institution and the state system of higher education.
Rowe said she is honored by the recognition and grateful for the support of her colleagues at the college and across the state. “Redlands is a special place, and sharing the stories of our students, faculty and staff is a true privilege,” she said. “Some of the most rewarding work I do is helping students discover their path and connecting them with our supportive staff and faculty.”