UA Communications
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The goal of the Communications Department at Union Academy is to provide quality, relevant, and up-to date information for all employees, students, families, and members of the community and media. We accomplish this through both print and digital media. The Union Academy website is a major source of information. Publications, newsletters, brochures, banners, handbooks, and postcards are also produced and printed by the Communications Department. Specific standards and guidelines have been set to ensure all Union Academy communications, publications, and other collateral present a strong, consistent public image and brand of the school. Please consult the Union Academy Communications Standards Manual and Style Guide when writing, editing, designing, or presenting on behalf of the school.
NCSPRA 2022 Awards
- Best of the Best - Photography
- Electronic Media - UA 20th Anniversary Video
- Photography - Spirit Parade
- Photography - Field Day
- Publications - Cardinal Courier Holiday 2020
- Special Events and Programs - Kindergarten Orientation
What We Do
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Internal Communications
- Ensures consistency of Union Academy brand on all district-level communications, including print, broadcast, and online
- Writes and produces key district publications
- Acts as a consultant for other departments as they produce publications
- Approves communications and documents for school-wide dissemination
External Communications
- Creates the content and design of the UA website and UA mobile app, ensuring accuracy and consistency with the UA brand
- Manages social media accounts which include the Union Academy Facebook page, @UACharterSchool Twitter account, @union_academy_charter Instagram account, and the @UnionAcademy LinkedIn account.
- Video production about our students, athletics, and other activities to showcase their talents.
Media Relations
The Communications team oversees all communication between the school and the news media.
Communications Staff
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Jennifer Sutton Smith - Communications Director
Jennifer Sutton Smith graduated from Wingate University with a degree in English and Education. She began her career as a teacher and coach in Union County Public Schools. In 2006, Jennifer joined the staff of Union Academy as an English teacher and yearbook adviser. During her tenure, she also held the position of instructional coach and was promoted to communications director in 2018. Jennifer and her husband, Ray, have two children, Delaney and Nicholas, who both graduated from Union Academy.
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Danielle Hillie - Communications Assistant
Danielle Hillie is a North Carolina Central University graduate with a bachelor's degree in mass communication. She joined the Union Academy staff in 2022 as the Communications Assistant. She came to Union Academy with previous communications experience with internship positions with Duke University, The NC Office of State Budget and Management, The Town of Chapel Hill, and Governor Roy Cooper's Press Office. During her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.









