The Water School
In 2018, Southwest Florida was hit with two environmental disasters — red tide and blue-green algae. In response, McCurry worked alongside Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) professors and marcom team members to brand and found The Water School. The school was designed as a research-focused arm of FGCU with a heavy focus on thought leadership from the faculty. They created the pitch and presented it to the university president, who ultimately approved the concept and provided funding for a marketing campaign. McCurry also supported the work by making a branded video mantra and designing the media kickoff event. This academic entity ultimately changed FGCU from being known as an NCAA Basketball Cinderella story to a research institution with a broad regional impact. The Water School continues to attract significant funding from the Florida legislature.
The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University
Warren Wilson College magazine
Working alongside the vice president for advancement, McCurry served as managing editor of the redesigned college magazine. Here, he learned the value of being scrappy, as he wrote at least half of the publication and edited it for two years running. Known as Owl & Spade, the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals recognized the magazine for its writing and design. This publication was one of the college's most important print pieces for donor prospecting and alumni relations.
"The Swannanoa Gathering: The 25th Anniversary" concert
In 2016, McCurry negotiated a partnership with UNC-TV to capture the 25th-anniversary concert of The Swannanoa Gathering, a multi-week folk music intensive summer camp owned and operated by the college. The camp featured famous instructors, including Grammy Award winners Janis Ian and Tom Paxton and country music star Kathy Mattea. These instructors, among others, performed during the show. McCurry worked closely with UNC-TV's production team to complete the project, which aired in March 2017.