Photography, Video Production, #CCUSocialMedia now housed under one roof
Three Coastal Carolina University departments are in the process of transitioning into one shared workspace on campus to improve work flow and promote collaboration as they continue to tell CCU stories in new ways.
This month, University Photography and #CCUSocialMedia officially finished moving out of Laurel Hall and into Hampton Hall with Video Production Services. All three of these departments frequently work closely with each other as part of the Office of University Communication.
“It just makes sense to have the media-based arms of University Communication working closely together,” said Brent Reser, assistant director for digital media. “But there are so many other things that go into an office move besides hauling boxes.”
Aside from moving boxes, the transition to Hampton Hall included a renovation of the existing space. In order to create floor plans that increase efficiency, walls were taken down and storage spaces for equipment were remodeled, painted and cleaned.
Judy Johns, director of photography, led the move for photography and social media, and she believes that the collaborative nature of creating content for CCU will be maximized in Hampton Hall.
“When Brent moved into Laurel Hall two years ago, we quickly changed from sharing a workspace to sharing a workflow,” said Johns. “We worked together to share coverage of events that were happening simultaneously. We shared content, photographs and scheduling information that the other may not have been aware of.”
Reser is most excited for the inherent camaraderie that develops between individuals who share a workspace.
“We already work really well together, but I think sharing a building will enhance our chemistry and effectiveness even more,” said Reser.
He also credits Johns for her initiative on the merger into Hampton Hall that helped make it possible.
“We all benefit from the leadership and selflessness of Judy Johns, who ran point on the logistics that social media professionals really never think about,” said Reser.
The move to Hampton Hall will benefit not only University Communication staff but the entire campus.
“Many times, the projects we do for other departments require a combination of our three services,” said Reser. “Now, when someone comes to meet with us, they don’t have to shuffle from one building to the other; we are all under one roof.”
For Johns, the efficiency is just the beginning of the benefits and opportunities that present themselves in the new space; sharing the narrative of Teal Nation and feeding off the creativity of those around her.
“Some of what we do overlaps, some is independent, but all of it is about telling the CCU story,” said Johns.
Hampton Hall is located in between the Edwards building and Chauncey’s Choice.
