Meet Kym – Manager, Marketing and Communications
I’ve now clocked up over 15 years in the higher education sector, spanning each of South Australia’s public universities and several years with Victorian institutions. Since returning home to Adelaide three and a bit years ago, I’ve been focused on marketing, communications and student recruitment across Creative, Education and the university’s unique museums and cultural entities. I haven’t looked back!
This journey we’re all on with Adelaide University is massive – transformative for our state, country and most importantly our students and communities. What motivates me most is our commitment to expanding access to education and breaking cycles of inequality. As someone who was the first in their family to go to university, it's an area I am very passionate about. It has also been a privilege to play a lead role in developing frameworks and approaches to support how we will all play a role in realising Adelaide University’s vision for student equity, access and success.
I lead a small but mighty team who partner with colleagues across our metropolitan campuses, and with our colleagues in our regional locations, including Mount Gambier and Whyalla. We’re excited for what is ahead for Adelaide University!
How do you start your day?
Each morning I try to squeeze in a pre-work walk with my partner and our Golden Retriever x Lab, Charlie (my camera roll is 95% Charlie). We stop at our local coffee spot before heading off. When working at Magill Campus, I drive via the scenic backstreets, park near the student lounge and take the long walk across campus – it's beautifully green with a flowing creek. In the city, I take the train and walk along the River Torrens when I can, which is equally stunning and full of life with runners and cyclists.
I do my best work when I am engaged with the topic, the work is collaborative, centred around people (especially students), and when it makes a positive impact. I think that's what has kept me in higher education for over 15 years now – especially when the work meaningfully contributes to educational access, equity and inclusion.
What is the philosophy you live and work by?
Be green and growing, not ripe and rotting. I know that I bring valuable experiences and perspectives, yet I recognise I don’t (and won’t ever) know everything – and I can’t speak on behalf of others’ lived experiences. Harnessing the perspectives and lived experiences of others is so important when working in a team.
How do you balance health and wellbeing at work?
My morning walks with Charlie set the tone for the day and stepping away from my desk between meetings helps me reset. We’ve got a great team culture, from quizzes to social events and I’ve participated in some of our unit’s step challenges and running groups which has been fun. At lunch, it depends where I’m working. If I’m at Magill Campus there are amazing outdoor chill spots along the creek, or if I’m in the CBD there are fantastic sunny spots outside Pridham Hall which are great to enjoy a break in.
