Office of University Communications 

Advertising Team advances to nationals in public service competition

SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri State University Advertising Team is one of three teams selected to present to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in Washington, D.C. on May 22.

The team of 19 students recently completed a campaign for APTA, administered by EdVenture Partners, aimed at encouraging 18-25 year-olds to help the environment by using public transportation. Throughout the semester, the students performed extensive research in preparation of their national public service campaign: “Go Green. Go Public.” They created and produced television, radio and print ads that have run in nine different states. 

The team’s campaign incorporated interactive media, including a GoGreenGoPublic.com web site, online ads and multiple YouTube videos. Their poster print ads received placement in bookstores in more than 50 universities across the nation. The team will compete for the top award this week.

“I am extremely proud of the campaign executed by this outstanding group of students,” said Dr. Melissa Burnett, Missouri State professor of marketing and Ad Team director. “It’s a great opportunity for our university and our students to use their talents and skills in a positive environmental and community role. It’s rewarding for the students to see how their efforts can make a difference.”

The following students are members of the advertising team:

John Anderson, a graduate student from Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Tyler Barnes, a senior marketing major from Neosho, Mo.; Odie Blakely, a senior public relations major from Harrisonville, Mo.; Elizabeth Cimino, a senior marketing major from Springfield, Mo.; Gina DeGenova, a senior marketing major from St. Louis, Mo.; Cali Duncan, a senior marketing major from Lake Ozark, Mo.; Andrew Garton, a senior socio-political major from Springfield, Mo.; Katherine Griffith, a junior marketing major from Springfield, Mo.; Samantha Inman, a senior marketing major from Oakville, Mo.; Megan Keith, a senior marketing major from Springfield, Mo.; Megan Killion, a junior marketing major from St. Peters, Mo.; Anna Eberle-Mayse, a senior marketing major from St. Louis, Mo.; Tyler Oberley, a senior marketing major from Webb City, Mo.; Michelle Ohler, a senior marketing major from St. Louis, Mo.; Josh Reuter, a senior marketing major from Fenton, Mo.; Ashley Secoy, a senior marketing major from Shelbina, Mo.; Ryan Simpson, a senior marketing major from Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Kristina Skei, a senior marketing major from Springfield, Mo.; and John Votaw, a senior marketing major from St. Charles, Mo.