The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s National Student Advertising Competition team placed second at the American Advertising Federation’s District 9 competition, held in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 22. The eight teams in the competition came from colleges and universities in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

Each year, a national client provides NSAC teams across the country with a brief that outlines a marketing challenge to be addressed with advertising. This year’s client was the world’s largest job search site, Indeed. Students were asked to create a fully integrated marketing campaign targeted to Gen Z.

For seven months, the Husker team conducted extensive research on Indeed and its competitors, identified potential areas of opportunity for the brand and then created a campaign that was presented before a panel of judges at the district competition.

The judges were so impressed with the Husker team’s strategy that they created a special Best Strategy award. Brian Hubbard, assistant professor of practice and NSAC lead faculty adviser, said the judges were also impressed with the quality of writing and design reflected in the team’s comprehensive plans book.

Nebraska’s 11-person team came from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and College of Arts and Sciences.

Diane Krajicek, lecturer in advertising and public relations, also advised the team. Jennifer Urich, CEO and co-founder of Sparrow Strategy, shared her expertise as the College of Journalism and Mass Communications’ Dick Worick Visiting Professor in Market Research.

“This team did an outstanding job, and I couldn’t be prouder of them and their work,” Hubbard said. “My first year advising the team was a joy and privilege, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s competition.”

Following is a list of Nebraska’s 2023 NSAC team members, listed alphabetically by hometown, with their year in school, major(s) and role on the team.

Nebraska

• Blair: Sam Lawton, junior, emerging media arts, motion graphics designer
• Beatrice: Holly Fischer, junior, advertising and public relations, broadcasting, and political science, research and media strategist
• Fort Calhoun: Cole Klabunde, junior, advertising and public relations, and communication studies, copywriter
• Lincoln: Quin Sleddens, senior, advertising and public relations, creative director and presenter; Spencer Swearingen, senior, advertising and public relations, research and media strategist
• Omaha: Johnny Sloboth, junior, graphic design, art director
• Thurston: Sadie Lamplot, senior, advertising and public relations, account planner
• Wausa: Taylor Kumm, junior, advertising and public relations, copywriter and presenter
• Waverly: Mia Hartley, senior, advertising and public relations, art director and presenter

Elsewhere in the U.S.

• Woodridge, Illinois: Carina Collins, senior, advertising and public relations, research director and presenter
• Clive, Iowa: Elizabeth Fischbach, junior, advertising and public relations, project manager