Northwood University students earned international recognition at the 2026 American Marketing Association International Collegiate Conference, where Northwood’s AMA chapter was recognized as one of the Top 10 Small Chapters in North America.
“This honor places Northwood among the top-performing collegiate AMA chapters and reflects the continued growth of a student organization that has become a powerful example of Northwood’s emphasis on hands-on learning, professional development, and free-enterprise leadership,” explained Dr. Andrew Anderson, assistant professor of marketing and adviser to Northwood University’s AMA chapter.
“This recognition is a direct result of our students’ commitment to excellence, professionalism, and continuous growth,” Anderson added. “Our students have embraced real-world marketing experiences, from national competitions to client-based projects, and this honor validates the effort they have invested throughout the year.”
The AMA International Collegiate Conference, held this year in Chicago, brings together hundreds of students and collegiate chapters for professional development, networking, and competitive events designed to prepare students for careers in marketing, sales, communications, and business leadership.
More than 300 universities participate in AMA’s collegiate chapter program. To be considered for top chapter recognition, chapters submit a chapter plan and annual report. Chapters are evaluated on areas that include professional development, membership, communications, chapter planning, fundraising, and community impact.
For Northwood students, the recognition is the result of years of intentional chapter building.
“When I was a freshman, our chapter was dormant, with no blueprint to follow as we rebuilt a chapter that had no recent history in the AMA community,” said Northwood AMA Chapter President Julian Lee of Macomb, Michigan. “Now, in my senior year, our chapter has cemented its legacy as a Top 10 Small Chapter for the first time in Northwood history.”
Lee said the chapter’s growth reflects what can happen when students are given opportunities to lead, compete, and build something meaningful together.
“All it takes is one person to believe in you, and a program can substantially improve,” Lee added. “Our success was not measured by a plaque or trophy. It was measured by how many people we could have a positive impact on.”
Northwood AMA has continued to distinguish itself through regional and national sales and marketing competitions, student-led consulting initiatives, professional networking, and opportunities for students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. Earlier this year, Northwood students earned top honors across all competitive tracks at the third annual AMA Regional Sales and Perfect Pitch Competition.
“Northwood AMA gives students the chance to develop the confidence, communication skills, and strategic thinking employers are looking for,” Anderson said. “This chapter is student-led, career-focused, and built around experiential learning — exactly the kind of environment that helps students grow into leaders.”
The chapter plans to build on its international recognition by expanding student engagement, strengthening industry partnerships, and preparing for future competitions.
To learn more about Northwood’s American Marketing Association Chapter, email Dr. Anderson at or call 989-837-5152.
