Aurelie Villard loves sharing stories on social media. And she especially loves hearing from and engaging with her audience.
As UNMC’s digital media manager, Villard serves as mastermind behind UNMC’s social media strategy, exploring creative ways to share information that engages and informs online users, as well as working with social media communicators on the college and department level to strengthen and polish UNMC’s digital presence.
In recognition of her leadership, creativity and innovation, Villard is UNMC’s Kudos winner and Gold U Award recipient for February. She will be honored at the Friday, Feb. 9, meeting of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
Since joining the UNMC Strategic Communications team in 2018, Villard has grown the med center’s total social media following by 82%, from 53,000 to 97,000. Whether on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, managing UNMC’s primary social media platforms is a nonstop role, and she doesn’t miss a beat.
On top of a full workload, she continually challenges herself to grow and expand her skill set, Director of Communications and Engagement Karen Burbach said in nominating her for the award. “UNMC Strategic Communications – and the university as a whole – are fortunate to have Aurelie on board to highlight life at UNMC and share trusted information with Nebraskans and beyond,” Burbach said.
Villard works closely with the UNMC community to help departments create and grow their online presence, and she counsels faculty, staff and students on social media best practices. She collaborates with colleges on successful social and digital media ad campaigns that help them reach their recruitment goals.
“I am here to help people, and it’s especially rewarding that people trust me to give them advice and lead them in a direction to make their social media goals successful,” she said.
Fueled by caffeine and a drive to excel professionally, Villard is pursuing her master’s degree in the Integrated Media Communications Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she is adding to her already impressive skill set. “Social media and marketing are constantly evolving, and I don’t want to limit myself,” she said. “I’m excited to learn new things and sharpen the tools in my toolbox.”
Villard said the most rewarding aspect of her job is being a part of something bigger than herself and using her creativity and expertise to amplify UNMC’s online presence.
“It’s fulfilling to show people what UNMC is about, not only what we offer in terms of education, but as a community,” she said. “I like being a part of the process of attracting students to become future health care professionals by reflecting our values, mission and campus life online.”
Senior Manager of Media and Content John Keenan said Villard’s creativity and attention to detail are a benefit to her entire department.
“Aurelie is as collaborative as she is creative,” Keenan said. “She brings insight and innovation to any discussion, and she always is willing to share her expertise with colleagues across the university.”
Villard said she was surprised and grateful for the award and thanked colleagues for the nomination. “I’m grateful to have people who support me and reaffirm the work that I’m doing,” she said. “Everyone in my department has impacted my career and has inspired or challenged me in some way.”
This inspiration feeds long-term goals that include growing UNMC’s social media presence while exploring other skills, from writing feature stories to media relations work.
“Aurelie is a star,” Keenan said. “There are no limits to what she can bring to UNMC.”
Well deserved. Congratulations, Aurelie!
One of my favorite people to work with.
Congratulations
Congratulations Aurelie! Well deserved. Thank you for all of your help over the years!
Congratulations Aurelie, well deserved!
This is so well. deserved, Aurelie! You do really great work. I am so glad you’re getting this recognition. Thank you for all that you do!
Congratulations, Aurelie! This is well-deserved! You do wonderful work for UNMC and are a valued partner. Thank you for all that you do!
So happy for you, Aurelie. This is well-deserved recognition!
Congratulations Aurelie! Much deserved.
So well-deserved! Congratulations, Aurelie! You are a pleasure to work with and you do such a great job. We are so fortunate to have you on the UNMC team.
Congratulations Aurelie. You are such an asset to the UNMC team!
Congrats to you, Aurelie! Your work is top notch and I’m so glad to see you recognized in this way.
So happy that you are receiving this recognition, Aurelie! UNMC is lucky to have you.
Congratulations, Aurelie! So glad you’ve been recognized for all your great work.
So well deserved, Aurelie! We are lucky to have you at UNMC!
Congratulations Aurelie on this well-deserved recognition. Keep shining!!
Well done and even more deserved, Aurelie! Congratulations.
Congratulations, Aurelie! UNMC is made better because of you and your great work!
Congrats Aurelie! Well-deserved!
Yesss! Congrats, Aurelie!! You earned it that’s for sure!! Also, what a wonderful photo of you <3
Way to go, AV! Glad to see that your outstanding work is appreciated. Keep it going, buddy.
Congratulations Aurelie!
Aurelie!! This is one for the ages. To see this generation struggle to get their feet on the ground, you’ve displayed a sheer will toward your goal. Congratulations and amazing job! Keep up the great work!
Whoo Hoo! Congratulations!
Many Sincere Congratulations!!!
So happy for Aurelie! She’s amazing!!!
This is wonderful and well deserved. Congrats!
Thanks for elevating UNMC’s impact on social media, Aurelie! You’ve been a great leader in this space getting our message out to the public.
UNMC is very lucky to have you! Thank you for all you do!
Hurray Aurelie! So good to see you honored for all of your hard work! Thanks for all you do!
Aurelie, you bring so much creativity and talent to the department, it has been a pleasure watching you take flight!
Hooray for you, Aurelie! It’s been such a pleasure to work with you on- and off-campus. Way to go!