Office of University Communications 

Ad Team's ‘Go Green. Go Public.' campaign wins national competition

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Missouri State University Advertising Team will soon see their many months of hard work broadcast throughout the United States in the form of a $15 million national public service campaign.

On May 22, four members of the 19-member team presented its “Go Green. Go Public.” campaign in Washington, D.C., to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Teams from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Pittsburgh also made presentations.

“It took every member of this team to develop a solid campaign,” said Tyler Barnes, a senior marketing major from Neosho, Mo., who was on the Missouri State presentation team. “We spent countless hours preparing for this opportunity and we’re very excited.”

In recognition for its efforts, the team also received a $2,000 grant from the APTA for future projects.

The “Go Green. Go Public.” campaign for the APTA, administered by EdVenture Partners, is aimed at encouraging 18-25 year olds to help the environment by using public transportation. The campaign incorporates interactive media, including a GoGreenGoPublic.com Web site, online ads and multiple YouTube videos. The team’s poster print ads received placement in bookstores in more than 50 universities across the nation. Team members also created and produced television, radio and print ads that have run in nine states. Their YouTube video “Love Song for Mother Nature” has received more than 3,200 hits.

“This campaign will be created and executed nationally. It’s quite an honor for these students,” said Dr. Melissa Burnett, Missouri State professor of marketing and Ad Team director. “The fact that this effort is connected to the environment and sustainability is terrific. It makes it very clear that Missouri State University is dedicated to its statewide public affairs mission. The work that these students have done will make a difference.”

Burnett said team members were approached by officials with the APTA and the Environmental Protection Agency about future job opportunities.

“It’s been my goal and the goal of the marketing department to prepare these students to succeed in their professional careers,” Burnett said. “This level of recognition is a testament to the quality of our students, our advertising program and our university.”

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.