Former Westminster Student Returns as New Staff Member

Kirsten Carney, a former Westminster College student from the class of 2013, has accepted the position of Sports Information Director and Social Media Manager at her alma mater and will begin work August 29.

“I am thankful that President Akande, Chief Communications Officer Lana Poole and Director of Athletics Tracey Braden gave me this incredible opportunity to return to Westminster to once again be a Blue Jay,” says Carney. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation that was left for me in sports information, as well as helping to create a unified and unique voice on social media that connects with students, alumni and prospective students alike.”

In her new role, Carney will raise Westminster’s profile through social media channels and media strategies and manage the web content, live game coverage, statistics, event management and photography for the athletic department.  She will report to Lana Poole.

This strong partnership between the Westminster marketing and athletics offices will ensure a unified message and elevate the spirit of the Blue Jay Nation.

“We are fortunate to find someone with Kirsten’s impressive experience to fill this position,” says Westminster President Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande. “Her background in athletics, past work in sports management and master’s degree in mass communications make her uniquely qualified to assume these responsibilities at Westminster.”

Having played four sports in high school and basketball at Westminster while earning an English and publishing degree, Carney understands athletics from the player’s perspective.

Her years coaching at University of Illinois-Springfield (October 2013-May 2014) and time as a sports information graduate student and Assistant Sports Information Director at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville (August 2014 to present) while she was earning her master’s degree have given her the knowledge of how an athletic department works from a coach’s viewpoint.

“My experience has shown me that an athletic department is a team, just as my team at Westminster was,” says Carney. “I understand that the long hours and hard work are part of the sacrifice that the department makes for the good of the team, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that we are successful.”