Tables were turned on Andover Schools Communications Specialist Keturah Austin Monday night.
Instead of announcing and photographing individuals for recognition on the Andover USD 385 website and releases for area media - Austin was in the School Board limelight.
She has been named to this year’s Wichita Business Journal's "40 under 40" which recognizes influential individuals in the Wichita area.
Austin, 37, was among 141 nominees.
“Keturah has the ability to handle a wide variety of challenging situations,” Andover Schools Superintendent Mark Evans, “She facilitated the transition committee that moved our district from four to six elementary schools and changed elementary school boundaries. Her work to educate the community regarding the 2005 bond issue helped lead to the bond issue passage by a nearly 3 to 1 margin.”
“She is an excellent resource regarding communications, crisis communications and more, and she is always willing to help wherever needed,” he continued.
Austin has been communication specialist for Andover Unified School District 385 since 2003.
She redesigned the district website to make it easier to use and find information.
She serves on the Andover Chamber of Commerce and the Andover Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Austin is the current president of the Kansas School Public Relations Association, an organization she has worked with during her entire time at Andover public schools.
Austin has earned degrees from Friends University and Bethel College.
After graduation, she worked for The Newton Kansan as general city beat reporter and later business editor. Austin was a communications assistant for the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce and became manager before becoming communications manager for PMMA.
Andover School Board President Roger Elliott recalled when he and Austin were serving the Wichita Chamber.
She and her husband, David, are parents of Jessica, their 16-year-old daughter.
“They are the best part of my life,’ said Austin.
Husband, daughter and Jessica’s friend attended Monday night’s recognition for Keturah.
David Austin once worked as a sports writer for the now defunct Andover Journal. Currently, he is public relations/events manager for the Envision Foundation of Wichita and a member of the Bel Aire City Council.
David is a previous “40 Under 40” honoree.
Keturah and 39 others “Under 40” individuals will be honored at a July 29 dinner in Wichita.
Augusta, Kan. —
