Becky McKendry

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Director of Communications and Digital Strategy
Justin S. Morrill Hall of Agriculture

Becky leads communications and digital strategy for Michigan State University Extension. In this role, she oversees messaging, content development, and digital platforms to tell the story of MSU Extension’s incredible impact on communities all across the state.

From 2019 to 2025, Becky was the communications manager for MSU Extension’s Health and Nutrition Institute, supporting more than 150 staff and leading statewide campaigns, managing publications and digital assets, and developing communications training workshops. She also served as the organization’s media relations manager and produced former Extension director Jeff Dwyer’s Partnerships and Peninsulas podcast.

Before joining MSU Extension, Becky spent five years as senior editor at Public Sector Consultants. There, she directed an editorial department and helped lead major initiatives like a firmwide brand refresh and events like the Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards. Prior to that, Becky worked as a journalist for several publications. Additionally, she has run an editorial business since 2006.

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. During her studies at MSU, she was honored with the MSU Outstanding Senior Award, the Capital News Service Connection Award, and the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism’s Service Award.

Becky's writing and storytelling has received recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists (Mark of Excellence Award) and the Association for Communication Excellence (Bronze Award in Digital Writing). At MSU Extension, her work has garnered accolades such as the Director's Award of Distinction, the Meritorious Service Award, the Emerging Issues Rapid Response Team Award, and the Shared Values Award, as well as several marketing awards from the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

In 2025, she was also selected for, and completed, the yearlong National Extension Leadership Development (NELD) program.