Katie Schmitz gains national insights at marketing symposium

Katie Schmitz, a third-year senior in Bowling Green State University’s Schmidthorst College of Business, recently represented BGSU at the 2025 American Marketing Association Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education. Specializing in marketing and international business, Schmitz was one of the few students in attendance at the national event, which brought together higher education professionals from across the country.

The three-day symposium explored innovative strategies shaping the future of higher education marketing, including social media engagement, recruitment and student success initiatives. For Schmitz, the experience offered a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders and gain insights that align with her career aspirations in higher education.

“The sessions highlighted how universities are adapting to meet the needs of diverse student populations,” Schmitz said. “It reinforced my desire to pursue a career in higher education and gave me a clearer vision of how I can contribute to advancing student success and institutional communication.”

The event opened with a keynote address by Todd Henry, who spoke on the power of creativity, bravery and brilliance. One message resonated with Schmitz: “You need people in your life to speak truth to you before you find people in your life to speak truth to you.” She carried those words throughout the conference, reflecting on the importance of authenticity, mentorship and courage in both personal growth and organizational success. 

Schmitz expressed gratitude to Dean Jennifer Percival and Elizabeth Vollmar for supporting her attendance at the symposium. “I feel honored to represent the Schmidthorst College of Business,” she said. “Opportunities like this aren’t available to every student, and I’m thankful for the chance to learn directly from professionals in the field.”

Her participation not only showcased the strength of BGSU’s student community but also underscored her commitment to building a career rooted in creativity, ethical leadership and meaningful engagement within higher education.