NW Missouri Times

Twenty-three students from Northwest Missouri State University's Knacktive course presented marketing campaign proposals to a local animal shelter, culminating a semester-long project. The team named "Berry the Bearcat" emerged as the winner for providing the most practical deliverables. Wes Rockwood, a board member of the Humane Society and a web designer at the university, expressed satisfaction with the teams' work. "We have something to pull from each of the teams," Rockwood stated, emphasizing the potential to create an even better plan by integrating ideas from all teams.

Berry the Bearcat, consisting of Shelby Singleton, Syeira Tomory, Anna Ringel, Landon Jones, Sawyer Cross, Skyler Stamps, and Kate Walker, proposed a campaign that included flyers, phone scripts, email templates, letters, and social media strategies aimed at boosting fundraising efforts for the Humane Society. Kate Walker, the team’s project manager, highlighted the importance of their ready-to-go solutions and presentation delivery. "The way you pitch a presentation to a client is going to really make or break what gets you the win," she remarked.

Knacktive's interdisciplinary program mimics a digital media marketing agency, requiring students to form teams and partner with real-world clients. This year, they worked with the local animal shelter to devise strategies for promoting donation opportunities. Instructor Brenda Jones commented on the creative challenges presented by nonprofit organizations. "You have to get really creative," she noted, explaining that the process mirrors for-profit campaigns but is constrained by limited resources.

Knacktive is crafted to replicate the dynamics of a professional marketing and communication agency. Students apply and interview for roles such as project manager and media manager, and they earn credit upon successful completion of the course. This experiential learning approach has previously benefited clients like Science City at Union Station and Tri-State Ford, with alumni securing positions at major agencies.

The course allows students to bring theoretical concepts to life, facilitating a hands-on learning experience. As Rockwood put it, "Students get to take all the conceptual work and put it into a real project." Knacktive alumni have achieved notable industry placements, underscoring the course's effectiveness in preparing students for the professional market.

For more details on collaboration or participation, business owners are encouraged to contact the Northwest Foundation.