Local Ties Allow Racer Dining to Enhance Community Engagement

Meagan Hart, Marketing Manager for Murray State University's Racer Dining, is energizing community engagement by establishing meaningful connections with local educational institutions. Leveraging her deep roots in the Murray area and her commitment to student development, Meagan has successfully fostered collaboration between Racer Dining and key institutions such as Murray High School, Calloway County High School, and Marshall County High School.

The journey began with the Marketing Matchup event held this past August, an initiative that highlighted the power of collaboration between Murray State University and local high schools. This event facilitated the emergence of collaborative projects, such as student-led marketing campaigns, providing tangible examples of the positive impact Racer Dining can have on both the university and local schools.

Racer Dining partnered with area high schools for the Marketing Matchup at the Crosstown Classic, a longstanding tradition in Murray. High school students from Calloway County High School and Murray High School displayed their creativity and business acumen in a friendly competition put on by Racer Dining. The event at Stewart Stadium, saw students planning, marketing, and executing an ice cream sundae bar at the rivalry game.

Hart, a Murray High School alum, spoke to participating classes about her experiences and how high school business classes and FBLA programs helped shape her career. The students were tasked with setting up ice cream sundae bars at their respective ends of the main concourse, employing their own marketing tactics to sell as many bowls as possible.

The Murray Tigers emerged victorious, selling 231 bowls, while the Calloway County Lakers sold a respectable 140. Hart returned to both schools at the end of the semester for a post-event analysis, gaining insights into what students would do differently next time with new knowledge from the class and their experience.

Marketing Matchup allowed high school students, some of whom are future Racers, to interact with Racer Dining before arriving on campus in the fall. It provided students with a hands-on learning experience guided by an industry professional. As a result of this event, future collaborative projects with both schools and other surrounding institutions are currently in the works.

Meagan Hart's commitment to community engagement extends further as she envisions a transformative partnership with Murray High School. Serving as a member of the community panel for mock interviews, Meagan is actively contributing to the career development and preparedness of students, recognizing the vital role that mock interviews play in shaping students' future success, whether entering the workforce or pursuing post-secondary education.

In her role as a judge for the Regional Future Business Leaders of America competition, Meagan will be evaluating participants in the Visual Design Presentation category, focusing on creativity, confidence, and professionalism. These skills are deemed essential for future success, and Meagan believes providing feedback and insight into growth opportunities in these skills is crucial.

Meagan's nomination for the Regional Businessperson of the Year award holds special significance, as it reflects her commitment to the community, education, and passion for helping others succeed. Her nomination serves as positive representation of Racer Dining and Murray State University across the region.

Looking beyond the specific events mentioned, Meagan envisions ongoing collaboration with local educational institutions shaping the future of Racer Dining. This sustained engagement is expected to have a lasting impact on the community, enriching the academic experience for students and strengthening the ties between Murray State University and its neighboring schools.