by Mark D. Weinstein, Executive Director of Public Relations
Success was in sight for a young Will Smallwood, fresh out of the University of Florida with a degree in public relations. How he would use this degree was a little vague for him at the time, so he took a position with a small public relations firm.
His focus, at least initially, was to learn the ropes in public relations and enjoy a successful career.
One of his earliest assignments at the PR firm was to work with a Fortune 500 printing company. Will had no clue about the printing business, and working with a Fortune 500 company was a little daunting.
Little did he know that this position would transform his career outlook from a focus on success to a drive for significance.
Will knew he could be successful in PR, but he was missing the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of people.
That’s when Will’s career made a drastic U-turn and he began pursuing a graduate degree at a prominent seminary. While studying, he developed strong relationships with professors and administrators who, eventually, turned the tables on him — they were making a significant impact in his life.
And, it was a life-changing impact!
After graduating from seminary, Will moved into the fundraising world and not only enjoyed the success of his vocation, but he was also enjoying new opportunities to have a significant impact in the lives of people.
Through different circumstances and opportunities, Will found himself at Cedarville University, and subsequently in charge of the One Thousand Days Transformed: The Campaign for Cedarville. This campaign is seeking to expand Cedarville’s capacity, increase scholarship opportunities and decrease student debt, transform live in and out of the classroom, and create a sustainable university that can transform lives for years to come.
Listen here as Will shares his story on the Cedarville Stories podcast.