BHSU NAMED AMONG TOP IN THE NATION IN 2024 COLLEGIATE ADVERTISING AWARDS

Black Hills State University was awarded four Gold Awards in the 2024 Collegiate Advertising Awards (CAA) Program. The CAA is an elite program recognizing higher education organizations for excellence in communications, marketing, advertising, and promotions of their schools across the nation.  

“It is an honor for our team’s work to be recognized on a national level,” said Becca Walters, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at BHSU. “These awards highlight the creativity, collaboration, and enthusiasm that our staff, along with our friends at Fresh Produce, put into telling the BHSU story. I am proud of us for pushing boundaries and delivering bold, meaningful campaigns that reflect the spirit of our university.” 

The 2024 CAA program received many entries from the United States and Canada, representing small community colleges to very large schools and universities. Submissions were reviewed by a national panel of industry experts, with a possibility of 100 total points. BHSU’s entries competed against similar-sized organizations in their specific groups and categories. 

BHSU had four winning submissions in the 2024 CAA program, including the “Let the Path Find You” mailing series, the A2 Arena basketball court design, and a series of videos and enrollment campaign developed in collaboration with Sioux Falls agency Fresh Produce. Each entry earned a Gold Award, placing BHSU’s work among the top 5% in the nation, with judge scores ranging from 95 to 99. 

“This national recognition is a reflection of the outstanding talent and dedication of our Marketing and Communications team,” said BHSU President Steve Elliott. “Their creative and strategic efforts continue to elevate the university’s reputation and reach. Additionally, their work alongside Fresh Produce speaks volumes about the innovation and passion driving our message forward.” 

Awards were issued for entries that received top marks from judges, placing them in the top 16% of the nation for advertising excellence. Judging criteria included creativity, layout and design, functionality, message effectiveness, production quality, and overall appeal. 

All winners are posted on the Collegiate Advertising Awards website at www.CollegiateAdAwards.com.