rgray@gctelegram.com

Cathy McKinley will be taking over public relations duties at Garden City Community College in the wake of the departure of Steve Quakenbush, former executive director of public relations at the college.

McKinley, the former executive director for marketing, is now the executive director of marketing and public relations for the college.

Quakenbush left his post earlier this month to become executive director at the Finney County Historical Society.

McKinley will retain her current duties and pick up the public relations duties that Quakenbush had, she said.

A part-time position will be available at the college to help with press releases and public relations.

"It may be some data entry, event promotion, and those types of things," she said.

The college soon will begin to advertise for the position, she said.

She said the position is entry-level but will need to be filled with someone who is a good writer, is computer literate and is able to work part time. The position would just be for the academic year.

McKinley said she's excited to be working in public relations again.

"I have that background. Prior to coming to Garden City, I was in tourism and publishing. I was on staff of several magazines that just promoted regional tourism," she said.

McKinley has worked in magazines and newspapers since 1984.

She said she has enjoyed her time at the college so far.

"I really love working at the college. I've already been doing marketing, so picking up the public relations part of it is exciting," she said.

She said she hopes to do as good of a job as Quakenbush.

"I am excited and a little overwhelmed. He's a hard act to follow, but I'll do my best," she said.

Last fall, the college re-organized several positions. McKinley, former dean of continuing education and community services, became the executive director of marketing.

McKinley has been employed by the college since Jan. 4, 2006.