Paul DeCoursey, Iowa Central’s long-time director of public information, has accepted a new role on campus as the first-ever director of athletic communications. Following DeCoursey’s move, Emily Denholm then became the school’s director of marketing and communications.

DeCoursey, a Webster City native, has been a part of the Triton community for the last 27 years. His work both as a ubiquitous figure at public events and a vital cog behind the scenes will continue as the focus shifts solely to serve the 30-plus athletic programs offered by Iowa Central — the most of any junior college in the nation.

“I love sports in general, so the new position fits well into my personal daily interests, too,” DeCoursey said. “(Previously), I’ve never been able to come to the office and have one singular focus — it’s always been on all of the college’s activities, events, performances, etc. So that change, while a big one, is exciting for me.

“We have an endless supply of events and athletes to shine the spotlight on. Being able to spend more time with all of them is going to be great.”

Emily Denholm

DeCoursey’s early focus has been centered around reinventing many of Iowa Central’s social media platforms pertaining to athletics. All carry the @ICTritons name.

“We will be bringing more fun features, game recap videos, photo galleries and athlete spotlights to Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok,” DeCoursey said. “Our athletics website, www.ictritons.com, will of course always be a major focus. We want our sources of material to be the first place that recruits, students, parents and fans come when they are looking for anything related to Iowa Central athletics.

“The short-term goal was to hit the ground running and be ready with content that would instantly make followers on our social media and website platforms know we are doing things differently and headed in a new direction. I was very aggressive with content on our main @iowacentral social pages, and I’ll bring that same level to our athletic coverage now.”

DeCoursey is also “making things easier for our coaching and athletic staff by taking care of things they were previously having to do themselves.”

“It’s not often you get a chance to change careers at a place where you’ve worked as long as I have — especially in the same position,” DeCoursey said. “I’m excited to do something with a different focus, yet in many ways the same, for the rest of my career.

“My personal goal is very simple: continue to do what I love while turning some focus to spending more time with (fiancee) Heather (Ochs), our kids and our families.”

Denholm moved to Fort Dodge with her husband, new Iowa Central assistant basketball coach Mason Denholm, this past spring. The Warwick, Rhode Island native, who previously held digital marketing coordinator and social media manager positions while living in larger metropolitan areas like Des Moines, Baltimore and Providence, committed to Iowa Central with the responsibility of “overseeing key initiatives aimed at driving student recruitment and enrollment growth in collaboration with the admissions department.”

Denholm will also help to enhance brand awareness and community engagement; manage digital marketing and social media strategies; promote academic programs and departments; support student retention; and develop comprehensive marketing strategies.

“One of the most enjoyable aspects of this role so far has been meeting with faculty, staff and students across various departments and areas of the college,” Denholm said. “I am deeply passionate about digital storytelling and transforming complex information into compelling, relatable content.

“The chance to spotlight the incredible people at Iowa Central — students, alumni, faculty and staff — is inspiring. Expect to see an increased focus on these stories across our social media channels in the new year.”

The 28-year-old Denholm felt an immediate connection to both the school and the Fort Dodge community upon her arrival.

“Fort Dodge is home to remarkable leaders, particularly women, and I look forward to learning from them and participating in initiatives outside the realm of higher education,” Denholm said. “Having lived in larger metropolitan areas before, I appreciate Fort Dodge’s mix of suburban amenities alongside the charm of small, locally-owned businesses.

“I am deeply grateful to now be a part of Triton Nation as a fan, a coach’s wife and now an employee. We found a warm, welcoming community in Fort Dodge from our very first visits. The kindness and support weren’t just because we had a cute baby (who was 6 weeks old at the time of the family move from Wayne, Nebraska) — it’s a testament to the people here.”

Coming from a more experienced local perspective, DeCoursey echoed Denholm’s sentiments.

“Without question, it’s about the people,” DeCoursey said. “I’ve had the opportunity to be led by three great leaders at Iowa Central: (former presidents) Dr. (Bob) Paxton and Dr. (Dan) Kinney, and now, Dr. (Jesse) Ulrich. I’ve worked with, and still work with, amazing teammates.

“We truly have the best people at Iowa Central.”