Madonna Duncan, a veteran in public relations from the Chicago area and Spring Valley native, has been appointed as the Director of Marketing and Communications at Illinois Valley Community College. With over 25 years of experience, Duncan aims to enhance the college’s community presence and external communications, stressing the importance of local engagement and educational excellence.
“Working in Chicago for more than 25 years was fun and professionally rewarding, but I’m looking forward to working for a local higher education institution that is a vital part of the community, and a significant contributor to the growth and success of the Illinois Valley,” said Madonna Duncan.
As Director, Duncan has been tasked with transforming what was the Community Relations Department, to a broader role and “working to expand the reach of the College and spreading the message of all IVCC has to offer. I’m going to focus on making sure we position IVCC in the best light possible so that all the great things that are happening here are promoted and very visible within our community and beyond.”
Vice President for Student Services Mark Grzybowski oversees the Marketing and Communications Department. “Madonna has a proven track record of more than 20 years of experience in the marketing and public relations industry. I am extremely excited to work with her in elevating the College’s profile in the communities that it serves.”
Her husband, Chris Duncan, is a local banker and Illinois Valley native, but telecommuting left her feeling disconnected from her home area. “I wondered how I could also make an impact on where we live and for the future of my kids. I saw him making connections and getting involved in the community, and I felt I’d be more fulfilled doing something similar.”
She said she enjoys the creative aspect of marketing and the opportunity to learn new things. She saw her public relations efforts rewarded in her client’s expanded visibility in local and national audiences and gained experience managing budgets, strategizing, and organizing events while building leadership and team-building skills.
Duncan studied Broadcast Journalism at Columbia College in Chicago before graduating from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in communications studies. During summers at home, she earned credits at IVCC and felt comfortable with smaller classes.
Being back on the IVCC campus “is like a mini reunion. I’ve renewed all these little connections in the past few weeks” with former classmates and neighbors. “IVCC feels like home.”
