University of Arkansas AMA Chapter Recognized as Top 25 Chapter Internationally

Photo Submitted

Members of the University of Arkansas chapter of the American Marketing Association who attended the organization's international collegiate conference in New Orleans are (from left) Candace Gooding, academic advisor Nicole Cox, Sarah Beisly, Claire McCullough, Major Venable, Kevin Bartolin and Brandon Spurlock.

Nicole Cox was named the Hugh G. Wales Faculty Advisor of the Year at the American Marketing Association’s 36th International Collegiate Conference held April 10-12 in New Orleans. In addition, the University of Arkansas AMA chapter was once again recognized as a Top 25 chapter internationally, winning top honors in the Northwestern Mutual Sales and Selling Competition and an honorable mention in a recruitment video competition.

Cox, marketing instructor and adviser to the chapter, was chosen from about 330 participating collegiate chapters internationally for the annual award. She shares the advising role with marketing instructor John Cole.

This year’s conference theme was “Take 5: Return of the Marketers” with more than 1,400 students attending. Students traveled from around the world to hear keynote speakers, network and compete in marketing competitions. Six students from the Sam M. Walton College of Business attended the New Orleans conference. Brandon Spurlock and Sarah Beisly, both senior marketing majors, placed first and fourth respectively in the Northwestern Mutual Sales and Selling Competition. The six Walton College students earned an honorable mention in the recruitment video competition.

The university AMA chapter was named, for a second year in a row, a Top 25 chapter internationally. It earned the recognition for its excellence in chapter planning, community service and fundraising. Chapters from the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and select international markets participate in the conference each year.

“The department of marketing’s American Marketing Association International Collegiate Chapter has continued to grow and prosper under the leadership of Nicole Cox and John Cole,” said Jeff Murray, marketing department chair at Walton College. “This year has been particularly special with Nicole Cox winning the Hugh G. Wales Faculty Advisor of the Year Award and the recognition of our chapter being in the Top 25 chapters this year. Incredibly, this places us in the top eight percent chapters internationally.”

Murray said collegiate chapters play an important role in business colleges around the world by providing students with opportunities to interact with successful executives, compete for internships and job placements and develop a better understanding how to succeed after graduation.

“In addition, these chapters help to create an environment where students can learn leadership and team-building skills, connect with students with common interests and build confidence together as friends,” Murray said.

In addition to Spurlock and Beisly, the other Walton students attending the conference were:

• Kevin Bartolin, a senior majoring in supply chain management and minoring in marketing and legal studies
• Major Venable, a junior majoring in marketing and minoring in management
• Claire McCullough, a junior majoring in marketing and minoring in management
• Candace Gooding, a junior majoring in supply chain management and marketing