Becky McKendry

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MSU Extension Health and Nutrition Communications Manager

As communications manager, Becky's mission is to shine a light on Michigan State University Extension’s extraordinary impact, with a special focus on the organization's health and nutrition efforts and the dedicated staff who deliver this programming to Michiganders.

Becky provides strategic marketing and communications counsel to 150+ health and nutrition staff members; writes and edits content; manages digital and print communication assets (such as websites, seasonal news digests, and annual impact reports); serves as MSU Extension's media relations manager, connecting experts across the state to reporters and press contacts; creates and delivers writing and communications professional development workshops to staff; promotes and rolls out campaigns, programs, and events; and more. From 2019 to 2020, she also produced former MSU Extension director Jeff Dwyer’s Partnerships and Peninsulas podcast.

Before joining MSU Extension, Becky spent five years as senior editor for Public Sector Consultants (PSC), a public policy research firm in Lansing, Michigan. There, she supervised and directed an editorial department and edited research for nonprofit, governmental, and corporate clients. She also worked on major marketing and communications initiatives at PSC, including a firmwide brand refresh and events like the Governor's Energy Excellence Awards.

Prior to that, Becky worked as a journalist and editor for a diverse array of publications, including a regional environmental news outlet, an Australian music and culture magazine, and author Chuck Palahniuk's (Fight Club) official website. Additionally, she has run her own editorial business for 15+ years, providing communications services to clients across diverse industries, from tourism to tech.

A proud Spartan, Becky holds a bachelor's in journalism with a concentration in editorial reporting from Michigan State University, as well as multiple professional certificates in public relations and editing from the Poynter Institute and the American Copy Editors Society.

During her studies at MSU, she received the MSU Outstanding Senior Award, the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism's Service Award, and the Capital News Service Connection Award.

Her writing and reporting has garnered recognition as well, including the Society of Professional Journalists' Mark of Excellence Award and the Association for Communication Excellence's Bronze Award in Digital Writing. Since joining MSU Extension, Becky has received honors such as the MSU Extension Meritorious Service Award and the Shared Values Award, as well as accolades from organizations such as the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.