Sarah Botham

Sarah Botham is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, part of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. She combines academic instruction with extensive industry experience in marketing, public relations, and entrepreneurship. Her roles include advising the NAMA student chapter, which has achieved national championships under her guidance, and mentoring students in agricultural marketing and communications. She holds a unique position as a faculty member while also serving as a marketing consultant, winery director, and founder of multiple businesses including Botham, INK., Acala Farms, and WiscoBoxes.

Education & Career Path: A former newspaper reporter and political media analyst, Botham transitioned into strategic communications through roles at InBusiness magazine and later founded her own firms. Her academic background includes teaching courses on agricultural marketing, advertising, and media design for life sciences.

Research & Awards: Recognized for her mentorship, Botham’s awards highlight her impact on student success and undergraduate research. Her work emphasizes practical application of marketing principles in agriculture, science, and lifestyle industries. She has led initiatives that blend academic theory with real-world business strategies, fostering student competition excellence and innovation.

Additional Ventures: Beyond academia, Botham is the director of Botham Vineyards & Winery and helms e-commerce ventures focused on Wisconsin products. These roles underscore her expertise in branding and strategic planning for diverse industries.