The ad and PR world is within reach for MSUM students

Sometimes, it's hard to dream big. MSUM provides education, tools, and opportunities that can open doors in ways you never imagined. For Emily Stengrim, an advertising & public relations graduate, that door led to Nike, where she works as a senior creative producer, inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Stengrim will be recognized as an Outstanding Young Alumna for her unparalleled work in national marketing campaigns. Some of her campaigns include: "This was never a long shot," featuring Caitlin Clark, Sabrina vs. Steph NBA All-Star 3-point competition, and "Olympics Celebrate," featuring Sha'Carri Richardson.

Courtesy of Emily Stengrim

As Stengrim prepares to return to campus for the award ceremony, she carries the lessons and experiences that have shaped her career. While her job may take her to the biggest stages in sports, MSUM remains a key part of her story.

"I remember the moments with my professors - laughing, feeling challenged, and growing," she says.

Stengrim remembers the hands-on experiences within her program and how diversified they were. From writing to photography and event planning classes, she acquired skills that she still uses at her job. She was also part of the MSUM's Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

BS in Advertising & Public Relations

"One of my biggest connections is still talking to Liz Conmy, who was my professor," she says. "We lift each other up, celebrating each other's next steps in life."

Conmy is a retired MSUM professor and now North Dakota state representative. She connected Stengrim with an internship with George Sinner, when he was running for a seat in North Dakota.

"Having professors with connections allows you to have different experiences," Stengrim says.

After graduating, Stengrim worked two years in Microsoft as a social media manager and web producer, then transitioned to Best Buy as a digital publisher to ultimately be at Nike in a similar role. Years later she earned the senior creative producer position that she still holds.

Growing up in a small town, she never thought a position at Nike would be something possible for her. Career expertise, educational experience, and self-driven motivation make it possible for Stengrim.

Stengrim is excited to come back to MSUM to reunite with long-lasting friends and to interact with students. "It's a moment where I'll able to talk to students and inspire them to think bigger than the tri-state area," she says. "I want them to know that the world is within reach."

Still, despite her success, Stengrim feels like she is just getting started. "I have an amazing resume, but I'm not done yet. There's so much more to do for women's sports," she says.

According to UN Women, girls' participation is sports declines drastically by the age of 14, mainly due to social expectations and lack of investment in programs.

Stengrim donates cleats and sports bras to her hometown soccer team, because she knows that having the right tools and support matters.

This desire to give back to her community, combined with her robust education at MSUM and self-determination, have earned Stengrim MSUM's Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2025.