Megan Moloney, Transylvania University’s vice president for marketing and communications, has received this year’s Career Achievement Award from the Public Relations Society of America’s Thoroughbred Chapter.
At Transylvania, Moloney has expanded outreach and raised the overall profile of the university both locally and nationally. She started in 2018 after decades serving in federal government communications, including with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, U.S. Secret Service and White House.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition from PRSA’s Thoroughbred Chapter,” Moloney said. “So much of the success I’ve had across my career is due to the incredible mentors and colleagues I’ve worked with. I especially want to thank my colleagues on Transy’s marketing and communications team — this award in large part reflects our collective dedication to Transylvania. Their passion and award-winning talent truly inspires me.”
She and her team of creatives at Transylvania have won two dozen awards over just the past three years. They include a Best of Show and 14 Gold honors at the Educational Advertising Awards and Collegiate Advertising Awards. Six of the Gold recognitions went to the university’s 1780 blog, which Moloney launched soon after she arrived as a go-to site for campus news and features.
Additionally, her nomination for the PRSA award highlighted how she demonstrates a unique mastery of the craft. “She is skilled at doing and leading, working individually and as part of a team, to craft messages that resonate deeply with target audiences across multiple platforms. This exceptional skill is bolstered by strategic thinking, allowing Megan to develop and adapt agency and organizational goals into successful public relations campaigns while navigating a dynamic environment.”
Off campus, Moloney is a community leader. She volunteers for numerous boards and serves as chair of the Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival and president of the Bluegrass Irish Society. She also runs the Bluegrass Ceili Academy, an award winning Irish dance school.
Moloney, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and an M.A. from Johns Hopkins, has also worked as a reporter, producer and director for TV and radio. Her recognitions include an Emmy Award for this VA feature.
Other award winners who the local PRSA chapter announced Wednesday include Communicator of the Year, Devine Carama; Communications Impact Award, Andrea Gils Monzón; and Rising Star Award, Mallory Olson.