January 21, 2021
University of Montana Western alumna, Meagan Nahrgang, recently joined the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) as the new Corporate Partner Manager.
Nahrgang was originally born in Dillon, Mont., but moved to Buckeye, Arizona at a young age where she grew up with her family. After graduating from high school, Nahrgang made the journey back to Montana to attend the University of Montana Western on a rodeo scholarship.
While at UMW, Nahrgang thrived as an athlete and student. She was one of seven athletes form the state of Montana to receive the 2012 Montana Athletes in Service Award for her dedication to community service. She also served as the UMW Student Senate Vice President and President as well as Rodeo Team Treasurer, and was a member of the University Council and the Radio Board.
Nahrgang graduated from UMW in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She went on to work with Bozeman Deaconess Hospital before she was offered a position by Montana Silversmiths (MTSS). MTSS is a belt buckle and jewelry manufacturer who hold a vast brand presence in the western retail and custom award industry and have produced the belt buckles for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) as well as the AQHA World Show.
Nahrgang spent more than five years growing with the company in many different capacities, ranging from sales to becoming their Director of Brand Marketing.
“I am incredibly grateful for the time and opportunities MTSS provided me over the years and I feel very fortunate to have worked with some of the best in the industry,” Nahrgang said.
Nahrgang began her role with the American Quarter Horse Association on October 29, 2020, when she was named the new Corporate Partner Manager. In this role, Nahrgang is managing all programs relating to AQHA’s existing corporate partner program and works closely with marketing and business development teams to enhance existing partnerships and creatively cultivate new opportunities.
In a press release, AQHA Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, Patty Tiberg, said “We are very excited to welcome Meagan to our team. Her experience with brand management, marketing and sales will be a great asset to add to our team to serve our corporate partners and, ultimately, AQHA members. Her background in the industry allows her to connect with members and partners alike.”
Nahrgang credits Montana Western and Experience One for the guidance and skills that have allowed her to become successful in her professional career.
“The opportunity that Iola ‘Olie’ Else provided to me as a student-athlete was a major stepping stone in my future. As a young adult, I wasn’t clear on what my future looked like at the time, but little did I know everything that I was doing was paving a way for me to my future success. UMW allowed me the opportunity to receive a quality education, gain one-on-one experiences, and hold leadership positions that I feel have been contributing factors to my success at a young age. Both of my parents, three older brothers, uncles, aunts and cousins all attended UMW so you could easily say being a Bulldog is in our blood and we owe a lot back to the university for providing our family many opportunities over the years,” Nahrgang said.
For more information about the American Quarter Horse Association, visit AQHA.com.
To learn more about Experience One and the University of Montana Western, or to schedule a visit, call 877-683-7331 or visit www.umwestern.edu.
