May 12, 2025
Ferris State’s American Marketing Association student organization stands tall among national peers
Standing amongst its peers at the American Marketing Association International Collegiate Conference, Ferris State University’s AMA chapter learned it ranks among the best of 331 peer organizations with more than 10,800 student members.
Ferris State’s chapter ranked among the nation’s top 15.
“The AMA team has done a terrific job setting, working toward, and reaching its goals. The team is a collection of talented and dedicated students,” said Donna Green, a professor of Marketing in the Ferris State College of Business and co-advisor for the campus AMA chapter. “Receiving this honor as a top 15 chapter validates their hard work and reflects positively on Ferris State University, the College of Business and the Marketing program.”
Green specifically saluted the work of outgoing AMA chapter Executive President Ivabelle Wilhelm, a graduating senior from Big Rapids, for her leadership.
“Ivabelle is dynamic, engaging and willing to mentor while also rolling up her sleeves to do what is necessary. She is an exceptional leader and a pleasure to work with. Without her leadership that I regularly witnessed, I doubt the chapter could have achieved this goal,” said Green, who has been an AMA advisor since 2014. “She kept them all motivated and moving toward their goals.”
Historically, the Ferris State AMA chapter has had a strong campus presence, regularly ranking among the top student organizations. Among its campus peers, the AMA chapter ranks as a Gold-level organization. Annually, one Ferris State student organization is selected for “Gold” status, earning a $1,000 grant.
“The AMA RSO has a long history of being recognized as one of the most engaged and accomplished student organizations at Ferris State University,” said Michael Levens, an associate professor of Marketing and co-advisor to AMA. “That success comes from being a student-led organization, with members from a wide range of majors, that provides extensive hands-on experience for its members. You will find the AMA RSO regularly participating and supporting university-wide, as well as College of Business, events.”
Levens joined AMA this year as co-advisor with Green. Together, Green and Levens support each other, the students and the organization’s success.
“With the two of us, we can back up each other and together help coach the AMA RSO,” Green said, noting the significant work needed to maintain status as a successful AMA chapter. “A requirement of being an American Marketing Association chapter is that it submits a chapter plan and an annual report by set deadlines. It is from these reports that AMA chapters are ranked. We were ranked in the top 15.”
The advisors note that AMA is meeting regularly to discuss a plan to rank higher next year.