When Sara Godwin was studying at Faulkner State Community College, she never dreamed she'd one day be its director of college relations, much less bringing home national awards for her advertising work.

Five years ago, after getting her associate's degree in liberal arts from Faulkner and her bachelor's degree in public relations and print journalism from Troy University, Godwin's internship with Faulkner turned into a full-time job.

“I feel like my job is so easy in terms of my mission, because the college's mission is to serve the community,” Godwin said. “Whenever I keep that in mind, and I attend every graduation and I see so many people affected by the college on so many levels — being able to market that, I feel lucky. I feel like I am shining light on them to show them, 'We can get you there, we can get you wherever you want to go.'”

That's what she thought about as she developed the series of television advertising that earned Faulkner a bronze Paragon award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. She submitted three advertising segments that promoted programs the college offers — allied health/nursing, hospitality/culinary and criminal justice.

The Paragon awards recognize outstanding achievement in communications at two-year community and technical colleges. Faulkner won one of 48 awards given out at the annual conference in Chicago March 12.

“Receiving something of this caliber is just unmatchable,” Godwin said. “I can't relay enough how honored I felt to be able to represent the college at this conference. It was just really nice to be able to go up there and and have a good showing.”

Godwin grew up in Loxley, where she attended Robertsdale High School. She credits the librarians at the high school for helping her discover her love for mass communications.

“I was a library aide, and they asked me to write the weekly column for Robertsdale High School,” she said. “That's actually where I developed my love for journalism.”

Godwin said because she grew up in the area, she is better equipped to market Faulkner to high school students, adults and others in the area.

“I think a pro to being in this area, especially being in marketing and public relations, is that grew up here, so I know the county very well,” she said. “Having my roots here definitely helps me know how to better serve the college.”

Godwin is currently pursuing a master's degree in communications from the University of South Alabama. When she's not working, she enjoys gardening and being outside.