Crew 75 Makes Strides in Year Two

Last year, Alabama A&M University started a student-run social media content internship program. Today, the University has earned national recognition and enjoys skyrocketing audience growth and engagement. With a student-centered approach that celebrates the history and culture of the campus, “Crew 75” is helping to transform the AAMU brand and making The Hill a must follow HBCU.

When Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Branding Aaron Thompson arrived on campus in 2023, one of his first goals was to establish a student creative group to make Alabama A&M competitive in a crowded digital marketplace. Thompson says social media and digital advertising are ground zero for multiple aspects of the University’s advancement priorities.

“Presenting Alabama A&M as a destination University and an institution of choice begins with showcasing its unique qualities in an authentic way,” said Thompson. “Building a relevant digital brand requires constant, quality, engaging content across all platforms - traditional and emerging - where our story can be told in a powerful way. To do this, you must have people power.”

That’s where “Crew 75” comes in. The internship program creates a creative approach to staffing and provides unique experiences for students.

“We rolled out the program last September and have built a framework that develops the talents of students entering with varying skillsets and levels of experience,” he said. “They work collaboratively while managing individual aspects of the AAMU social brand. I’m extremely proud of this group. I can’t say enough about the impact they’ve had on our overall marketing and communications strategy.” 

2024-25 Crew 75 • L-R: Jeremiah McDow (JR, Huntsville), Kristin Patterson (JR, Mobile), Jayden Dorsainvil (SO, Miami, FL), Toni Herring (JR, Sacramento, CA), Jay Mayes (SO, Montgomery), Trinity Shipman (JR, Nashville, TN), Jaden Wills (JR, Atlanta, GA), Alexis Powell (SR, Birmingham),  Lorenzo Hawkins (FR, Nashville, TN).