MOBILE, Ala. — October 6, 2025 — Bishop State Community College’s Office of Marketing and Public Relations was recognized for excellence in marketing, communications, and public relations, taking home 18 awards at the annual Alabama Community College System Public Relations Association (ACCSPRA) Pyramid Awards.
The team earned five first-place Pyramid Awards, eight second-place Certificates of Achievement, and five third-place Certificates of Merit—a reflection of Bishop State’s ongoing commitment to creativity, innovation, and storytelling that celebrates the college’s mission and impact.
"This recognition is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and creative expertise of our marketing team,” said Courtney Steele, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Bishop State. “Every campaign, design, and story we share is driven by a deep passion for telling the Bishop State story and connecting our students and community to the opportunities our college provides. I’m incredibly proud of our hard work and the impact our efforts continue to make.”
In addition to the team’s success, Steele was named the 2025 ACCSPRA Communicator of the Year, the organization’s highest individual honor. The Communicator of the Year award recognizes one professional each year who has distinguished themselves through outstanding leadership, creativity, and excellence in communication, marketing, public relations, or recruiting efforts across Alabama’s community college system. Steele’s leadership has elevated Bishop State’s brand presence and strengthened the college’s connection with students, employees, and the broader community.
The Pyramid Awards program honors the best in marketing, communications, and recruiting among Alabama’s community colleges. Entries are judged on creativity, strategy, design, and measurable results.
Under Steele's leadership, Bishop State has earned 81 ACCSPRA awards since September 2018. Bishop State has been recognized in a wide range of categories, reflecting the team’s diverse skill set and creative strength across print, digital, and multimedia platforms.
Bishop State’s 2025 ACCSPRA Pyramid Award Wins
🏆 First Place: Pyramid Awards
- Online Advertising: Set Sail with Bishop State & Austal USA
- Brochure: Make Your #BishopStatement
- Wild Card: Bishop State Christmas Card
- Viewbook: Wildcat Viewbook
- Electronic Publications/Newsletters: On the Prowl: The Wildcat Report – Oct 2024
🥈 Second Place: Certificates of Achievement
- Direct Mail/Postcard: Bishop State Bound Mailer
- Public Relations & Marketing Campaign: Make Your Bishop Statement
- Flyer/Poster: Basketball Homecoming & Alumni Night
- Print Advertising: Lagniappe: Fall Fresh Start
- Interior/Digital Signs and Displays: Home of the Wildcats
- Promotional Advertising: #BishopStatement Claw
- Logo Wear: Make Your Bishop Statement T-Shirt
- News Placement: Bishop State Unveils New Instructional Center
🥉 Third Place: Certificates of Merit
- Flyer/Poster: Trunk or Treat
- Brochure: Institutional Strategic Plan
- Radio Advertisement: Make Your Bishop Statement
- Print Advertising: Lagniappe: Make Your Bishop Statement
- Interior/Digital Signs and Displays: Basketball Greek Night Digital Sign
This marks another strong showing for Bishop State’s marketing and PR team, which continues to set the standard for creative excellence and community engagement across Alabama’s community college system.
This year's ceremony and annual conference took place September 10 - 12, 2025, at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama.
About ACCSPRA:
The Alabama Community College System Public Relations Association (ACCSPRA) is composed of marketing and public relations professionals from Alabama’s community and technical colleges. The organization promotes the exchange of ideas and recognizes outstanding work that advances awareness of community colleges throughout the state.
About Bishop State Community College:
Bishop State Community College is a state-supported, open-admission, urban community college located in Mobile, Alabama. With four locations serving Mobile and Washington Counties, Bishop State offers more than 40 degree and certificate programs designed to prepare students for university transfer and high-demand careers.