For nearly three decades, Kenny Greene has been a driving force in mail services at the College of Charleston. Starting as a summer relief employee in 1995, Kenny’s career has been a testament to dedication, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Now serving as Director of Mail Services, he has overseen transformative changes in mail and package handling, ensuring efficiency and convenience for students and staff alike.
A journey of growth and opportunity
Kenny’s path to becoming Director of Mail Services began when Ed Smalls hired him as a temporary relief employee. “I was only supposed to be here for three months,” Kenny recalls. However, due to organizational changes at the college, his role quickly evolved into a permanent position. Over the years, he advanced through various roles—including supervisor, assistant director, and ultimately, director.
Now, with 28 years of recognized service at the College of Charleston, Kenny has spent over two decades in supervisory roles. His leadership extends beyond campus boundaries through his active involvement in professional associations. He currently serves as Treasurer of the College and University Mail Services Association (CUMSA) and has previously held positions including Board Member and President. He has also served in leadership roles with the National Association of College and University Mail Services (NACUMS).
Our success is built on a commitment to providing high-quality products and unparalleled customer service. We’ve always believed in the power of technology to transform business operations, and that belief has guided our journey for nearly five decades.”
Embracing change and innovation
When asked about the biggest challenges facing university mail services today, Kenny points to two primary issues: managing the daily volume of packages with limited shelving space and maintaining adequate staffing levels. His approach to these challenges demonstrates his forward-thinking leadership style.
“We installed parcel lockers prior to COVID because that was something we surveyed our students about,” Kenny explains. The decision to transition from traditional letter mailboxes to locker banks was strategic, ensuring students had access to their deliveries at all hours. “It was perfect timing because it was contactless delivery.”
Kenny’s team continues to innovate, recently adding Amazon lockers across campus to help manage package flow. “At one time we would see 1,500 packages being diverted every month to a locker bank that wouldn’t have to come to the mail center,” he notes. This strategy has significantly improved efficiency and student satisfaction.
Beyond mail: impact on campus and community
Under Kenny’s leadership, the mail center has extended its services beyond traditional mail processing. A notable example is the introduction of a passport facility on campus, which has become an invaluable resource for students and the local community. The facility has received widespread praise for its exceptional customer service and accessibility, further cementing the mail center’s role as a vital service provider.
Kenny recognizes that success is not achieved alone. He views his staff as strategic partners in solving workflow challenges and creating a better experience for students and faculty. “My staff makes my job easier. They bring ideas to the table, and we work together to implement solutions that improve efficiency and service quality.” He fosters a culture of collaboration, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in the continuous evolution of mail services at the College of Charleston.
Kenny’s ability to anticipate trends and adapt to changing student needs ensures that mail services remain relevant and efficient. From leveraging Amazon lockers to reducing inbound package traffic to exploring new automation tools for letter mail processing, he continues to position the College of Charleston at the forefront of mail service innovation.
Leadership philosophy
Kenny’s leadership philosophy centers on continuous learning and collaboration. He strongly advocates for professional development and networking through industry associations. “Not being part of an association or not going to a trade show, you’re doing yourself a disservice because you’re not really getting a holistic picture of your operation,” he advises.
He also stresses the importance of aligning mail services with institutional goals: “You got to align with the school’s vision… know what your school plans are, what are those things that the school has in place, and do you align with those pillars that they’re putting in place in those 10-year plans?”
Words of wisdom
For those in mail services or considering entering the field, Kenny offers valuable advice: “Your reputation means everything. Staying vital, staying knowledgeable, staying in touch will ultimately lead you to success.” He emphasizes that success comes from being “part of a process” rather than being loyal to a particular brand or way of doing things.
Kenny’s journey from temporary employee to director serves as an inspiration and blueprint for others in the field. His story demonstrates how embracing change, maintaining a service-oriented mindset, and continuously seeking improvement can lead to a rewarding career in mail services.
“This is one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had,” Kenny reflects. “I was never in it for the money. I actually enjoy what I do. My staff makes my job easier … I share and I keep them engaged. They have to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.”
Join us at CUMSA 2025
Kenny Greene’s expertise and leadership will be on full display at the upcoming CUMSA conference, where he and Digitalized Software will both be in attendance. The conference will take place in Charleston, SC, from March 2–5, 2025. This event is a prime opportunity for mail professionals to share best practices, explore the latest advancements in mail and package management, and network with industry leaders. You can learn more about attending here!
Be sure to connect with Kenny and the Digitalized Software team to learn more about the future of mail services in higher education. We’ll see you there!
