The Missouri State University American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter was recently featured on Sidelines Missouri State, highlighting the organization’s national success, hands-on learning model, and growing impact on students and the Springfield community.

Faculty advisor Dr. Jenifer Skiba joined the program to discuss the chapter’s achievements, including its recent recognition at the AMA International Collegiate Conference, where Missouri State University ranked Top 25 out of 344 chapters.

“We were ranked 25th this year, which is the biggest competition at the conference that they have.”

This achievement reflects the chapter’s strong performance in areas such as professional development, student leadership, competition outcomes, and community engagement.

Missouri State AMA Top 25: Experiential Learning and Student Success

A central theme of the discussion was the emphasis on experiential learning. Dr. Skiba explained that AMA is designed to provide students with practical, real-world experience beyond the classroom.

“It’s actually not a class. It’s an extracurricular outside of class.”

Students meet weekly, participate in professional development sessions, and engage in hands-on marketing projects that help them build communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Real Clients, Real Marketing Experience

The MSU AMA chapter also operates a student-led marketing agency that works with both local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Through this platform, students gain experience in areas such as social media management, branding, website development, and content creation.

Dr. Skiba emphasized the breadth of student involvement in applied learning opportunities:

“There are a ton of different competitions at this conference as well as different events that we host where they get hands-on live experience in how to market events and guest speakers and put on workshops for other students.’

These experiences allow students to apply classroom concepts directly to real-world business challenges.

Building Professional Identity Early

Beyond technical marketing skills, the program also focuses on personal and professional development. Dr. Skiba highlighted a core principle that shapes the organization’s philosophy:

“It doesn’t matter what your major is — everybody markets something. Even if it’s just themselves.”

This perspective reinforces the idea that marketing skills are essential across all disciplines and career paths, helping students build confidence in presenting themselves professionally in any field.

Preparing Students for the Future

Through leadership roles, competitions, and client-based projects, students in the AMA chapter gain exposure to real-world expectations and professional environments. Many go on to secure internships and full-time positions after graduation, often returning as alumni mentors to support current students.

The program continues to serve as a bridge between academic learning and industry readiness, equipping students with both technical marketing knowledge and practical experience.

Listen to the Full Episode

Sidelines Missouri State 06.20.26 – Marketing at Missouri State

The Missouri State AMA chapter continues to demonstrate excellence in experiential learning, national competition, and student development under the leadership of Dr. Jenifer Skiba. The program not only strengthens marketing education at Missouri State but also prepares students to succeed in a competitive professional landscape.