College of DuPage vice president receives Ragan Communications and PR Daily's National Top Women in Communications Award

Wendy E. Parks, Vice President of Public Relations, Communications and Marketing at College of DuPage, has received Ragan Communications and PR Daily's prestigious Top Women in Communications Award in the Trailblazer category for 2022.

During her tenure with the College, Parks spearheaded executive communications for the Office of the President as well as a wide array of other key stakeholders and established the inaugural 9/11 Memorial Scholarship. Additional divisional achievements include launching a new high-tech multimedia studio, website and digital advertising campaign, which helped to significantly increase the College's media exposure, social media and community engagement.

"Marketing and communications are my passion, and I enjoy leading a team of talented professionals in sharing the positive impact that College of DuPage has on people's lives," she said. "Being recognized by Ragan Communications, alongside many distinguished peers throughout the country, is an honor."

For more than 50 years, Ragan Communications has been a national leader in delivering news and training to internal and external communicators, HR professions and business executives. The Top Women in Communications Awards celebrates female communications professionals whose dedication and contributions to the communications industry are making a significant impact in their day-to-day job and career, advancing the profession while accelerating growth for their organization.

Parks holds a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MBA from Loyola University. She has held several leadership roles in marketing and communications fields within private and public organizations, including We Energies, Johnson Publishing Company, Inc., University of Chicago and Chicago Housing Authority. Parks is also a Board Liaison to the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce and regularly volunteers as well as speaks to under-resourced youth.

COD President Dr. Brian Caputo said the recognition reflects Parks' dedication to promoting the College and student success.

"Wendy is a forward thinker who has done an excellent job of elevating the College's position as an educational and community leader," he said. "She is indeed a trailblazer for her innovative ideas and ability to coordinate the complex components of marketing and communications in the digital era."