Becky McKendry

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MSU Extension Health and Nutrition Communications Manager
Justin S. Morrill Hall of Agriculture

As communications manager, Becky’s mission is to highlight Michigan State University Extension's impact, with a focus on health and nutrition programs and the staff who deliver them.

Becky offers strategic communications support to 150+ health and nutrition staff, manages digital and print assets, writes and edits content, serves as MSU Extension’s media relations manager, provides professional development workshops, and coordinates campaigns. From 2019 to 2020, she also produced MSU Extension's Partnerships and Peninsulas podcast.

Previously, Becky was senior editor at Public Sector Consultants, a public policy research firm, where she directed the editorial team, edited research, and helped lead major marketing initiatives, including a brand refresh and events like the Governor's Energy Excellence Awards.

Her background also includes work as a journalist and editor. From climate and environment to sports, she covered several different beats and worked for a diverse array of publications, including author Chuck Palahniuk's (Fight Club) website. Additionally, she has run her own editorial business for 15+ years, serving clients across sectors from tourism to tech.

A proud Spartan, Becky holds a bachelor's in journalism from Michigan State University, along with professional certificates in public relations and editing from the Poynter Institute and American Copy Editors Society. As a student at MSU, she earned awards like the MSU Outstanding Senior Award and the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism’s Service Award.

Becky's writing and storytelling has garnered recognition such as the Society of Professional Journalists' Mark of Excellence Award and the Association for Communication Excellence's Bronze Award in Digital Writing. She has also received MSU Extension’s Meritorious Service Award, the Director's Award of Distinction, and the Shared Values Award, along with accolades from the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.