AmeriCorps VISTA Dane Simpkins joins the Hub
The SSU Kricker Innovation Hub is pleased to welcome Dane Simpkins to the team! Dane will be serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA focused on increasing and improving digital skills in the Southern Ohio region.
Dane (originally from Hilliard, Ohio) is a 2021 Alumni of Shawnee State University. He has a degree in marketing.
“I was originally a game design student - the art side of it,” said Dane. “When I started to realize art was not in my future, at least not as a profession, I started to gravitate towards the marketing program. I love storytelling, and what is marketing if not short-term storytelling?”
Dane says the skills he learned at SSU helped prepare him for his upcoming year of AmeriCorps VISTA service.
“I had actually not heard of the program,” he laughed. “I knew I wanted to spend another year in Portsmouth…so the more I found out about it, the more thought about it. I knew it’d be helping the City of Portsmouth. And I knew it could teach me a lot, give me great experience, and help me further hone my skills.”
“It’s the perfect fit. AmeriCorps is going to give me a great opportunity to do some good in Portsmouth.”
Dane’s position is made possible by support from the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the amount of tech companies and jobs in rural areas.
“I can’t wait to get to work with SSU and the Hub to bring in more tech jobs to Portsmouth and help bolster the digital economy.”
Dane can be reached at dane.simpkins@ruralinnovation.us.
Q&A with Dane
Favorite Restaurant? As a poor college student in Portsmouth, Toro Loco will always be close to my heart. Not too expensive, large portions, and delicious food is all anyone can ask for. But every pay day I would try to save room in the budget for Patties and Pints.
Favorite Hobbies? Games! I love games, both video, and table-top. The more competitive the better! I was on the Shawnee Esports team for three years, and my senior year, I was Smash Bros. Team Captain. They don't always have to be competitive, but I prefer any games where I can play with my friends.
Favorite Book? I am a huge nerd, so I really enjoy Sci-Fi and Fantasy. Recently I have been obsessed with the Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) series. There is just so much lore to get lost in. I love it.
What do you love about the area? Coming form the new suburbs of Columbus, I absolutely love the historical small town feel of Portsmouth. There is so much history and heart here. Oh and the food. Portsmouth has some incredible restaurants!