A 4-year degree at a quarter of the cost? Yes, it's possible
- Zac Dunn
- Feb 12
- 1 min read
Scottsdale Community College – Ghostwritten Op-Ed on Arizona’s First Community College Bachelor’s Degree
Project Overview
Scottsdale Community College (SCC) engaged me to ghostwrite and secure publication for an op-ed on behalf of the college’s president. The op-ed served as a strategic communications piece to announce SCC’s first-ever four-year bachelor’s degree program, positioning the institution as a leader in affordable, accessible higher education.
Project Goals
Achieve high-profile earned media coverage to amplify awareness of SCC’s new degree program.
Frame the program within the larger issue of rising higher education costs and SCC’s role in making college more accessible.
Ensure message alignment with SCC’s broader marketing strategy.
Approach
Developed a detailed outline that received input and approval from SCC stakeholders.
Framed the op-ed within the national conversation on college affordability, positioning SCC as a proactive solution.
Crafted a persuasive, engaging narrative that balanced institutional messaging with storytelling.
Worked closely with the SCC team to ensure delicate messaging aligned with the overall marketing strategy.
Pitched and secured publication with The Arizona Republic, Arizona’s most widely read news outlet.
Collaborated directly with The Arizona Republic editor, making additional edits and revisions to meet editorial standards.
Results
Successfully published the op-ed in The Arizona Republic, the state’s most viewed news outlet.
Earned front-page placement on azcentral.com on the day of publication, maximizing visibility.
Strengthened SCC’s public positioning as a leader in innovative, accessible higher education.
Generated public awareness and credibility for SCC’s first-ever bachelor’s degree program.
