Your story is our history! The Cottey experience is one of leadership, social responsibility, and global awareness. Every Cottey alumna has a story, a story of high academic standards, leadership, and unwavering commitment to being a change agent.

The Institutional Advancement team wants to give you an opportunity to share your unique connection to Cottey College. This oral history project provides alumnae the chance to tell their Cottey story in their own words. After the collection is complete, these unique stories will be compiled into a book that celebrates our alma mater and our illustrious history.

This opportunity is possible thanks to a partnership with Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) In addition to collecting stories, PCI will be assisting the Institutional Advancement team with collecting updated biographic information from alumnae to ensure we have the best information available to stay connected with Cottey across the nation and beyond.

 

How to Share Your Story

Alumnae will be receiving a postcard and email from PCI with more information on how to share their story. Stories will be collected via a phone call with a trained member of the PCI team.

If you did not receive a postcard or email, you may call in your response via this telephone number: 800-735-5993.

The impact of a Cottey education is strong and impactful. With your story, you can connect with fellow alumnae through sharing nostalgic experiences and inspire future graduates to walk in your footsteps. We are excited about capturing your point of view!

 

What to Look For

PCI has currently been sending postcards and emails to our alumnae. Simply follow the steps to update your information and set up a time to share your story with one of their staff members.

Postcard Example (Front)

 

Post Card Example (Back)

 

Email Example

1. I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Cottey College. Tell me more about the project.

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for Cottey College. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at Cottey College and how the school helped to shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.

 

2. Does Cottey College benefit from this at all?

Yes, in a few different ways:

• Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumnae
• Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our school
• Revenue – generates non-dues revenue for the Cottey Fund
• Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our school

 

3. How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law.

 

4. I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How can I do this?

• If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at Cottey College. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to Cottey College at the conclusion of the project.
• If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
• If you did not receive a postcard or email, you may call the dedicated Cottey College update line at 1-855-303-9231.
• If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email PCIservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

 

5. How can I participate if I am Deaf/Hard of Hearing?

If you would like to participate and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

 

6. Can I choose what information prints in the publication?

The only information that is included in the publication is your name, class year and degree, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed.

When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumna record for the school/alumnae association. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before December 4, 2026, by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / PCIservice@publishingconcepts.com.

 

7. I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

You can call back at any time before December 4, 2026, to share your story.

 

8. I shared a story and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?

You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption.

If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed (note: the photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

 

9. Can anyone purchase a book?

The Cottey College Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Cottey College alumnae.

 

10. When will I receive my book?

The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 13 months. Since we began the project in June of 2026, the books will be distributed in July of 2027.

 

11. I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?

Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.