On March 17, 2026, the MSU Marketing Advisory Board (MKTAB) brought together faculty and marketing industry professionals for a candid, forward-looking conversation, centered on one priority: preparing MSU students for a rapidly evolving marketplace.

What the MKTAB Is and Why It Exists

The MKTAB is a formal advisory body that supports the MSU Marketing program through advocacy, industry engagement, and curricular guidance. As AI, data analytics, and digital strategy reshape what employers expect, the board serves as a direct link between the classroom and the profession, ensuring the program keeps pace with where marketing is actually headed.

Members include senior professionals from corporations and professional marketing associations, recent MSU Marketing graduates, and the Marketing Program Coordinator who serves as faculty liaison. They advise on curriculum, identify skills gaps, recommend guest speakers and mentors, and advocate for the program within the broader business community. Dr. Ismet Anitsal, Department Head of Marketing, shared on LinkedIn that the meeting was productive and insightful.

Dr. Josh Coleman with Andrea Battaglia (Abacus CPAs LLC) and Mar’Ellen Felin (Felin Communications)

“The conversation was insightful, forward-looking, and grounded in what truly matters, preparing our students for a rapidly evolving, AI-influenced marketplace.”

How the Board Is Organized

The MKTAB operates through four standing committees, each focused on a distinct area of impact:

Student Engagement

Mentorship, internship development, career workshops, and professional development.

Faculty & Program Development

Integrating AI, data analytics, and current industry practices into coursework.

Alumni Relations

Networking events and programming that connect alumni with students and faculty.

Industry & Community Outreach

Growing the program’s visibility with local, regional, and national organizations.

The board convenes twice each academic year, with standing committees meeting and planning throughout the year. This structure ensures that board input is an ongoing, active partnership between industry and academia.

Looking Ahead

The March meeting is part of an ongoing commitment to keeping MSU’s Marketing program tightly aligned with real-world expectations. As the board’s initiatives take shape, students can look forward to expanded mentorship opportunities, stronger industry connections, and a curriculum continuously refined by the professionals who are hiring, leading, and innovating in marketing today. These discussions continue to shape how the department aligns its programs with both student success and evolving industry demands.

The Marketing Department remains committed to bridging academic excellence with real-world industry experience.