Tuesday, June 23, 2026
The G. Brint Ryan College of Business continues to see its marketing students rise to national prominence, and Shelby King’s story is a clear reflection of that momentum. Recently named the 2026 Collegiate Marketer of the Year by the American Marketing Association (AMA), Shelby’s journey is defined by curiosity, leadership, and steady upward growth from the moment she stepped into the field.

Shelby began her academic path at Tyler Junior College before transferring to the University of North Texas, where she fully immersed herself in the marketing program and the student experience. That transition marked a turning point, not just in her education, but in how she began shaping her future in the industry.

Shelby King, wearing a black dress, is being interviewed by an older woman in a zebra-print dress in front of a blue backdrop with the American Marketing Association - Dallas/Ft. Worth logo on it. A camera on a tripod is recording them.At UNT, she quickly stepped into leadership as President of the UNT AMA Chapter, where she helped guide fellow marketing students, build professional development opportunities, and strengthen engagement within the marketing community. Her leadership extended beyond titles and into action, as she consistently connected students with real-world experiences and industry exposure.

Alongside her campus leadership, Shelby secured an internship with Flea Style, where she worked across social media, fashion merchandising, content creation, and storytelling. That experience allowed her to merge creativity with strategy, building hands-on skills in brand voice, digital engagement, and visual storytelling.

Her AMA recognition reflects more than academic success. It highlights a student who has actively built her path through leadership, applied experience, and a willingness to step into opportunities that challenge her to grow.

"Receiving the 2026 Collegiate Marketer of the Year award is something I still have a hard time putting into words. I am incredibly grateful and honored to receive this recognition, but what makes it so meaningful is everything it represents.

When I joined the American Marketing Association at UNT, I was simply looking for a sense of community on campus. As someone who moved from a small town and didn't know many people, college often felt like a cycle of classes, work, and trying to find my place. I never imagined that AMA would become such a defining part of my college experience."

Shelby’s journey from transfer student to national award recipient underscores a simple but powerful truth: momentum is built, not given. Through leadership, creativity, and consistent effort, she has become a standout example of what marketing students at UNT can achieve when they combine ambition with action.

Her story continues to unfold, but this recognition marks a defining moment in a path already shaped by initiative, resilience, and a clear drive to lead in the field of marketing.