Katherine “KJ” Jeane was named the winner of Lyon College’s first-ever Lyon Influencers program.

Jeane will receive a $500 scholarship provided by Zac Stewart, ’19, on behalf of his company, Nova Joe’s Coffee. 

As Stewart expands his company to more locations throughout Arkansas, he said the influencer program was important to support because influencers have the chance to develop their marketing skills, something Stewart utilizes as a young entrepreneur.

“Social media is important because it can make or break your business,” he said.

The Office of Strategic Marketing and Communication launched the program last fall, giving current students the chance to apply to be brand ambassadors by using their personal social media platforms to promote the College to prospective students.

Director of Communications Madeline Pyle, ‘15, said she was pleased with how the first year of the program turned out, even though the COVID-19 pandemic meant not everything went as planned.

“All of the influencers did amazing, and it was so hard to pick just one winner.”

Pyle continued, “KJ demonstrated creativity throughout this past school year. What really stood out to me were her suggestions for content, even when the College closed campus in March.”

When she virtually received the award on June 11, Jeane said she was honored to be one of the College’s first influencers. 

“I enjoyed this year using my social media platforms to highlight my most memorable moments at Lyon for my peers, family, and potential classmates. Our tight knit campus community and opportunities for leadership and success are what make Lyon and the Influencer program so special to me.”

Pyle said the Lyon Influencer program will move away from the competition aspect next year so that the scholarship funds can be used on more opportunities for all of the influencers.

“I am very happy about that decision because picking just one influencer was quite difficult. They have all been outstanding!”