Steve Hart of Sullivan Higdon & Sink and Sarah Coffman of the Wichita Animal Action League have been recognized by Wichita State University's Elliott School of Communication for their achievements in the field of communication.

Hart was selected to receive the Elliott School of Communication’s Outstanding Alumni Award for 2016, and Coffman was selected as the “One to Watch” winner. The “One to Watch” award honors a professional who graduated from the Elliott School within the past 10 years, recognizing outstanding work in his or her field.

Steve Hart

After graduating from WSU in 1976 with a degree in journalism, Hart worked at The Wichita Eagle as a part-time sports writer covering high school sports and working on the occasional feature. After three years, he switched communication pathways and has been involved with advertising, marketing and sales promotion ever since.

Hart now works as the group director at Sullivan Higdon & Sink, where he has been for the past 21 years. He has worked at three Wichita-area advertising agencies over the course of his career, in which he has helped promote brands such as Zenith, Frigidaire, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas, Westar Energy, Spirit AeroSystems, Cessna Aircraft Co. and many others.

“My career has been built on the foundational training I received at WSU,” says Hart. “The experiences I had there gave me the confidence I needed to explore and grow in the communication fields that I chose.”

As a devout Wichita State sports fan, Hart continues to draw on contacts from WSU.

“My relationships with other former Shockers in the business world have proven to be some of the most important and rewarding, in terms of mentoring, that I’ve experienced along the way,” says Hart.

Sarah Coffman

Graduating Cum Laude from WSU in 2010 with a degree in integrated marketing communication, Coffman went on to work in several marketing positions prior to entering the world of fundraising. In fundraising, Coffman was introduced to a local humane society where she found her calling.

Unsatisfied with the resources available to the community and pet owners, Coffman founded the Wichita Animal Action League in November 2013. In July 2014, the organization received its 501c3 status and Kansas state rescue license. A few months later they hosted their first major fundraiser, Wags & Whiskers.

As the executive director, Coffman manages a board of five directors and countless volunteers and foster families. Coffman says she constantly puts her degree to use in all aspects of her job, from fundraising and networking with other rescue centers to marketing, graphic design and media appearances for the nonprofit.