Temerlin Advertising Institute - SMU

Last week, our students took on NYC with agency visits, alumni panels, networking events, and behind-the-scenes conversations with some of the industry’s top creatives and strategists. From , , and to , , , , , , and more, students got an inside look at the future of advertising directly from the people shaping it.

A huge thank you to all of the alumni, agencies, and professionals who welcomed our students and shared their time, advice, and experiences. NYC did not disappoint.🗽

This semester, students in Professor Hadeler’s graduate campaigns class partnered with to develop an IMC strategy and messaging campaign.

Students gained hands-on experience with a real client while learning more about the impact of animal shelters in our community. Safe to say this may have been one of the cutest client projects of the semester. 🐾

This semester, Andrew Elliott's Internet and Mobile students didn't just study digital marketing, they practiced it. 📱💡

Partnering with 3i Fulvic, Australia's first fulvic trace mineral concentrate, students audited the brand's digital presence, executed campaigns, and developed strategic recommendations from the ground up. Thank you to Grant Valenstein and Andrew Rivelli for bringing this opportunity to our students.

Advertising Account Planning meets institutional investment management 💡

Account Planning students, led by Dr. Alice Kendrick, partnered this semester with GEM Investments, a Charlotte-based investment firm managing $12B+ in assets, to explore marketing communication opportunities within the long-term investing space. Thank you to GEM Investments and COO Dogan Perese for challenging our students to collaborate in this unique category.

Happy Senior Series 🎓✨

Now for our Strategic Brand Management seniors! From brand strategy to account management, these seniors learned how to turn big ideas into meaningful insights🤍

At TAI, these students earned awards, scholarships, certifications, and industry experience while developing the strategic thinking and leadership skills that drive successful campaigns.

Swipe to hear from some of our soon-to-be graduates about their experiences at TAI!

Happy Senior Series Pt. 2 🎓✨

Next up, our Digital Media Strategy seniors! From content creation and media strategy to analytics and audience engagement, these seniors learned how to connect brands with consumers across different media platforms 💙

At TAI, these students earned awards, scholarships, certifications, and invaluable real-world experience while preparing for the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Scroll to hear from some of our soon-to-be graduate about their experience at TAI!

Hard launch: advertising undergrad 👀

Yesterday we hosted our new admits as they met professors, learned how the program is built, and got a glimpse of the opportunities ahead in creative, digital media strategy, and strategic brand management. Welcome to the program! 🧠🎨🎯

New work from our very own adjunct faculty member, Art Garcia. The Sculpture Garden at the Lewisville Grand Theater has been transformed into a space where nature, architecture, and creativity meet. It features rotating works from incredible regional artists, including Art Garcia. We’re proud to have him teaching our students. Wonderful job, Art.

Learn more here 🔗 https://www.lewisvillegrand.com/the-arts/art-exhibitions/sculpture-garden

A celebration of TAI greatness, from students to faculty and staff, at the 2026 Senior Luncheon! 🏆

Read the recap on our blog (link in bio)!

Final presentations are in the books for Creativity, Art & Problem Solving! Dr. Mark Allen’s graduate students spent the semester exploring Danto’s embodied meaning and pushing past traditional strategic frameworks.

We love seeing our Master’s students tap into their creative side and challenge the status quo. 🧠🎨

We’re excited to welcome back the 3rd Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Voices in Higher Education Symposium at SMU!

📅 May 4, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 Frances Anne Moody Hall Auditorium

This year’s theme, Leadership and Representation, brings together scholars, students, and educators for a day of conversation, research, and community.

Featuring keynote speaker Mitchell J. Chang (UCLA), plus research presentations, a leadership workshop, and a faculty panel including our very own, Dr. Joe Phua.

Register by May 1. Open to all as part of SMU’s AAPI Heritage Month programming 🔗

AAPI Symposium 2026 AAPI Symposium at SMU REGISTER HERE Click here to view and download the program schedule. This annual symposium explores issues, concerns, and research findings pertinent to Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islanders in higher education through multidisciplinary lenses. Our goal is to deepen....

For our next : Hilary Russell-Bremer, Adjunct Lecturer of Marketing Communications Management at TAI.

📺 Experience: Having produced commercials for WFAA and rebranded a commercial real estate appraisal firm, Professor Russell-Bremer carries both creative and strategic experience that inspires her lectures at SMU.

✏️ In the Classroom: She teaches Marketing Communications Management to TAI graduate students, where she emphasizes creating content that “forces a pause” for consumers. “With all the doomscrolling and media and ‘life’ vying for our attention these days, your content needs to make people stop, take notice, and take action.”

✈️ Outside the Classroom: When not teaching, Professor Russell-Bremer serves as a member of National Charity League with her older daughter and volunteers at Bishop Lynch High School and the Dallas Arboretum.

📖 Fun Fact: Professor Russell-Bremer has written and published two children’s books about growing up with learning differences — “Beatrix the Bunny Learns to Be Focused and Kind” and “Beatrix the Bunny Helps Buddy Make Friends.”

💙 Favorite SMU Memory: Professor Russell-Bremer earned a master’s degree in Communication and Media Studies at SMU, so she cherished learning from her professors and graduating with her degree. “The personal and professional growth I experienced was priceless.”

Read more about Professor Russell-Bremer at the link in our bio! 🔗

Next up in our spotlight: Emily

Originally from Wales, Emily brings an international perspective to TAI and a strong passion for supporting students.

She’s finishing up her MA in Advertising (May ’26) and currently serves as a Marketing Assistant. She enjoys connecting with undergrads and helping them navigate everything from classes to internships.

Swipe to get to know Emily ➡️

Which one should add first? 👀

Next up in our spotlight: Katie

From the mat to the classroom, Katie brings the same energy she puts into teaching Pilates to supporting students at TAI. 🧘

She's finishing up her MA in Advertising (May '26) and is a TA for Intro to Creativity with Willie Baronet and Account Planning with Dr. Kendrick. Her favorite part? Watching students discover their passion and grow.

Swipe to get to know Katie! ➡️

Still not over Portfolio Night 2026 🤍

So many strong campaigns, so much talent in one room. Giving our winners another well-deserved moment!

Best of Show (Tie)
Letterboxd / Da’Shon Bright, Nicole Sustaita-Felici, Gabriella Spear (Concepting)
Death Wish Coffee / Estella Call, Alexandra Lopez (Advanced Portfolio)

Judge’s Choice
Drain Weasel / Estella Call, Kristine Ahmadi
Museum of Modern Art / Sage Esaili, Keely Lei
Molly Maid / Alexandra Lopez, Knox Miller

Best TV/Video
Funyuns / Kailyn Sawhny, Caroline Corcoran

Best Art Direction
Death Wish Coffee / Estella Call, Alexandra Lopez

Best Copywriting (Tie)
Spotify / Caroline Corcoran, Rachel Rodgers (Advanced Portfolio)
Associated Press / Gabriella Spear (Concepting)

Best Campaign (Tie)
Carter BloodCare / Rachel Rodgers, Lilly James (Advanced Portfolio)
Letterboxd / Da’Shon Bright, Nicole Sustaita-Felici, Gabriella Spear (Concepting)

Best Concept
WOW Weather App / Lucy Kieffer, Aileen Sanchez

Best Graphic Design
Angry Orchard / Jordan Naivar, Estella Call

Best Craft
Public Storage / Joseph Lane

Best Logo
Adam & Eve / Jordan Naivar

Best Business Card
Rachel Rodgers

If you were there, you can grab photos from the night at the link in our bio! 📸

Congratulations to SMU’s 2026 NSAC team for competing last week!! We are so proud of the campaign our team created for this year’s client, the NFL. Under Professor Corey Jones’ guidance, students collaborated strategically and creatively to develop a compelling campaign. They also won the Bad Bunny Judges Special Award for bringing the energy to their presentation! 🏈🏆

2026 NSAC Team: Kelsey Ansary, Angelica Barrera (presenter), Da’Shon Bright (presenter), Bernadette Cruz, Sara Djuric, Samantha Hernandez, Katherine Hess, Maddie Holley, Jordan Naivar, Kathryn Orr (presenter), Samantha Penny, Rachel Rodgers, Gabriella Spear, Abby Stadinski, Liv Tirjan (presenter)

Congratulations to Kristine Ahmadi, Rachel Rodgers, and Gabriella Spear on earning 2026 AAF Scholarship Awards, receiving $7,500 and $10,000 honors!

Next up in our spotlight: Ashley

From launching her own media business at 17 to supporting four TAI professors, Ashley brings an entrepreneurial spark to everything she does.💡

She’s wrapping up her MA in Advertising (May ‘26) and has been an invaluable bridge between students and faculty. And yes, she highly recommends you try Nutri-Grain bars.

Swipe to get to know Ashley! ➡️