Candace DenOuden recently joined SDSU Extension as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator based out of Brookings on the South Dakota State University campus. DenOuden comes to SDSU Extension with a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Her primary focus will be writing and editing news releases about SDSU Extension programs and assisting with content creation for the SDSU Extension website and social media pages.
Having spent the past ten years as a journalist, reporter and editor for newspapers in South Dakota and Nebraska, DenOuden has extensive experience reporting on many topics and managing agricultural publications. Additionally, she also worked with marketing agencies as a writer and editor for over a decade. She later transitioned to marketing full-time three years ago as the social media strategist, sponsorship coordinator and reputation management agent for an auto group in Rapid City.
"I'm excited to be part of SDSU Extension and tell people about the things we do," said DenOuden.
DenOuden grew up in Avon, South Dakota, on a small farm where her family had everything from dogs to horses. During her time in 4-H, her favorite projects were dog and cattle shows.
Throughout high school and college, DenOuden served as an intern at her home county Extension office in Bon Homme County. Following graduation, she continued her involvement in the 4-H program in both South Dakota and Nebraska where she witnessed firsthand how 4-H and Extension teaches valuable life skills.
"I love that the work and research Extension professionals do helps real people in South Dakota communities," said DenOuden. "I've always been an advocate for 4-H and Extension, and I am excited to continue that in an official capacity."