Erica Colaianne is the Director of Social Media at the University of Michigan where she leads the social communications team that creates dynamic content every day for audiences of more than 2.3 million. Representing a world-class institution known for academic excellence, innovative research, competitive athletics, and a vast global alumni network, she strategizes informational, inclusive and inventive content to educate, engage and enthrall U-M audiences across all social platforms. Driving the coordination of cohesive strategies, she brings social communicators throughout the institution together to cultivate collaborations for creative content that demonstrates the immense impact of the institution and encapsulates the Wolverine experience. 

Erica previously worked in communications and marketing at Wayne State University and prior to joining the higher education community she led communications and marketing efforts for a range of organizations including healthcare, media companies and nonprofits. She graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and received a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Eastern Michigan University.

Kevin Prchal is the Digital Content Specialist at Harper College, a singer/songwriter, an enthusiastic lover of cinema and a proud #GirlDad. He loves the world of higher education and having the opportunity in his role to connect with people from all walks of life, tell their wonderfully diverse and inspiring stories and, most importantly, celebrate them at the end of their educational journey. 

Alex Rodríguez engages all generations of the Cal community through social media and digital marketing for crowdfunding, student philanthropy, and giving days as UC Berkeley’s Assistant Director, Digital Campaigns. After overhauling student philanthropy through social content creation and digital giving, Alex now oversees the Crowdfunding program, launching and marketing ~70 projects annually. Throughout his different roles at Berkeley, Alex helped pioneer social media strategy in fundraising at his alma mater - he created the school’s first Instagram Reel! Alex uses his passion for social media (and chronically online experience) to put the “fun” back in fundraising at Berkeley. 

Outside of his professional life, Alex loves to express himself creatively through fashion, dance, and TikTok, and can likely be found listening to K-Pop at any given moment. Alex lives in SoCal with his very photogenic cat, Chromeo Kiwi Lunario (@chromeo.kiwi)!

As Associate Director of Communications and Project Management for Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas, Grant leverages his multimedia storytelling skills to champion forward the incredible stories found on a university campus. With over nine years of experience in public relations, social media, and photography, Grant has a passion for inspiring change and showcasing the stories of the U of A community.

In his previous roles in higher education, Grant has been a full-time social media manager for the Sam M. Walton College of Business, also at the U of A, worked as the full-time campus photographer for the University of Central Arkansas, and directed a study abroad campus in Italy for his undergraduate alma mater, Harding University.

Additionally, he has worked as a project manager and story producer for a corporate video production team and has his own creative consultation and freelance photography business. He has won multiple awards for his work in breaking news and sports photography, and published work in yearbooks, newspapers, art shows, and other digital and print materials. Grant holds a B.A. in public relations and is continuing his education at the U of A in the M.A in communication program. He is always eager to learn new skills, explore new perspectives, and collaborate with others to deliver high-quality, meaningful, and impactful stories.