UW-Whitewater AMA Extends Championship Legacy with 15th Consecutive National Title

WHITEWATER, Wis. -- [May 12, 2026]. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter has retained International Chapter of the Year, marking the program’s 15th consecutive year as a platinum circle chapter and reinforcing the College of Business and Economics’ reputation as a state leader in hands-on business education.

The latest victory is about more than a trophy. It is a powerful demonstration of what makes UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics distinctive: students do not simply study marketing concepts in the classroom: they apply them, refine them, and prove themselves against top programs from across the country.

“This 15th consecutive national title is a remarkable achievement, but the bigger story is what it says about our students and our college,” said Dean Paul Ambrose. “At UW-Whitewater, students do not just learn marketing — they practice it, compete with it, and show on a national stage that CoBE delivers an exceptional, career-ready business education.”

In addition to the chapter’s top honor, UW-Whitewater students also earned first place recognition in the National Case Competition, sponsored by Major League Baseball and Deloitte, highlighting the chapter’s depth of talent and the breadth of opportunities available to students in the program.

For UW-Whitewater, the streak reflects a culture of excellence built over time through faculty mentorship, student leadership, and a commitment to applied learning. AMA students develop and demonstrate skills in branding, sales, presentation, strategy, teamwork, and professional communication long before graduation.

“What makes this streak so meaningful is that it is earned by a new team of students every year,” said Dr. Andy Dahl, Marketing Department Chairperson. “Our students rise to high expectations, put in the work, and support one another. This recognition reflects their creativity, professionalism, and drive — and it shows the power of giving students real opportunities to perform.”

The national recognition also speaks to the value of co-curricular experiences at UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics, where classroom learning and student organization leadership go hand in hand. Through programs like AMA, students strengthen their confidence, expand their professional networks, and gain the kind of hands-on experience that helps set them apart in the job market.

“AMA has challenged me to think bigger, communicate better, and trust what I’ve learned in the classroom,” said Rafa Alvarez-Reyes, BBA Marketing ‘26. “Competing at this level showed me that UW-Whitewater students can stand with anyone in the country.”

The achievement adds to UW-Whitewater’s long tradition of producing national champions in student business competitions. It also underscores why UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics continues to attract students who want more than a degree — they want meaningful experience, strong mentorship, and the opportunity to graduate ready to lead.

“Winning again is exciting, but what makes it special is knowing how much preparation and teamwork went into it,” said Caitlyn Murphree, BBA Marketing ‘26. “This chapter gave us the chance to grow as marketers, teammates, and leaders. That is what I will remember most.”

The Department of Marketing at UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics prepares students for careers in branding, sales, digital marketing, analytics, market research, and professional communication through active learning, faculty mentorship, internships, and nationally competitive student organizations. The university’s AMA chapter is one championship-caliber opportunity that connects classroom learning to professional success. This year the Marketing Department also won the International Collegiate Sales Competition, PSE Year-Long Pro-AM Sell-A-Thon, and DECA National Championship in International Marketing, showcasing the wide variety of experiences that are available to the students at UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics.

About the College of Business and Economics

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics is Wisconsin’s largest business school, serving more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate business majors. CoBE holds dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting , a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide, and combines rigorous academics with hands-on learning, faculty expertise, and championship student organizations. With a 97% job placement rate within six months of graduation, CoBE prepares graduates to strengthen Wisconsin’s economy and lead with confidence in organizations across the region and beyond. CoBE classes are taught by professional educators and practitioners, not teaching assistants.

For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit the college's website or email cobe@uww.edu.