Tara Ferkinhoff, MS

Marketing & Communications Professional | Higher Education | Strategic Storyteller

With nearly 20 years of experience in communications and a master’s degree in mass communication, Ferkinhoff specializes in developing strategic marketing initiatives that engage audiences and drive results. Her expertise spans higher education, sales, federal grant programs, and leadership roles in marketing and communications.

With a strong background in strategic storytelling, content creation, and brand management, Ferkinhoff is committed to delivering impactful communication strategies that enhance engagement, strengthen communities, and drive organizational success.

Background

At North Dakota State University (NDSU), Ferkinhoff led marketing and communications for Residence Life and Dining for seven years. Her responsibilities included developing comprehensive communication strategies, overseeing branding initiatives, and crafting compelling content across multiple platforms. Prior to NDSU, she served as Vice President of Marketing & Sales, where she managed marketing campaigns for more than 20 clients, generating $1.5 million in sales while maintaining client budgets. Additionally, Ferkinhoff coordinated communications and training efforts for a multi-million-dollar federal grant program, impacting a four-county region in central Minnesota.

Beyond marketing and communications, Ferkinhoff is passionate about mentorship and student engagement. She has taught communication courses, advised student-led initiatives, and supervised interns, fostering growth and leadership among aspiring professionals. Her experience in event management includes overseeing large-scale university events such as open houses, job fairs, themed dining experiences, and student engagement programs.

Current Passions

At the College of Business, Ferkinhoff is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that enhance student engagement, promote college initiatives, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders. This role manages digital and print communications, social media, and event promotion to ensure consistent and effective messaging.

Additionally, Ferkinhoff coordinates the Business Connections program, which provides mentorship opportunities for students by pairing them with established business professionals. This involves program coordination, mentor-mentee matching, event planning, and ongoing support to foster meaningful professional relationships. The goal is to help students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, build professional networks, and enhance their career readiness.

Outside of work, Ferkinhoff loves spending time with her friends and family, including her husband, Brandon (who she met in 2003 while living in NDSU's Thompson Hall), her two very active girls Marrah and Teigen, and her fur-baby Cooper (an overweight Chocolate lab).

What I Do:

• Lead marketing, communications, and brand strategy for the College of Business
• Oversee website, social media, and digital presence
• Create and manage content, including video, photography, storytelling, and NDSU news features
• Develop and execute marketing for academic programs, student services, and college initiatives
• Plan and promote events, including internal, external, and signature college events
• Manage advertising campaigns (digital, print, radio) and audience outreach
• Manage brand standards to ensure all communications are professional, consistent, and credible
• Lead and execute the Business Connections mentorship program from start to finish
• Purchase and manage branded merchandise and swag

Come to me for:

• Help promoting a program, event, or initiative
• Turning your work into a story (news, social media, video, etc.)
• Guidance on messaging, branding, or how to communicate something effectively
• Support reaching students, alumni, or external audiences
• Event coordination, promotion, and/or coverage
• Advertising or campaign strategy
• Questions about websites, social media, or content creation
• When you have something great happening and want people to know about it

• Comm 110: Public Speaking