Katie Essing is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Marketing at the Robert J. Trulaske Sr. College of Business, University of Missouri - Columbia. She is currently teaching retail and digital marketing courses. Essing is an alum of the Trulaske College of Business and was a Sam Walton Scholar.  She has over 30 years of experience in marketing, buying, retail, commercial real estate, and nonprofit management. Katie is the founder of Strategic Retailer, LLC, providing retail consulting, coaching, education, community building, and related services in support of economic development for merchants.  Previously, Essing served as the Executive Director for The District, the downtown of Columbia, Missouri.  Katie also has experience working as the Senior General Manager for Columbia and Capital Malls in Columbia, Missouri.