US News & World Report features Grad Adviser and Ph.D. Student

Sara Kamal, Ph.D. student in Advertising was featured along with Gary Wilcox, recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Adviser Award for 2006 in an article in the April 9th US News & World's Special Report: America's Best Graduate Schools. Ms. Kamal and Dr. Wilcox were interviewed by Christopher Gearon from the magazine. Both discussed the role of the graduate adviser and student interaction.

Dr. Wilcox has served as Graduate Adviser on two separate occasions -- from 1986 to 1990 and from 1998 to present. Between his two terms as graduate adviser, Professor Wilcox served as Department Chairman. "The recognition is a great honor for me. I truly enjoy working with graduate students in our MA and PHD programs."

Having just completed admissions for Fall 2007, the article appeared at an important time. Wilcox notes, "hopefully if a student is on the fence about attending our program, this may help them decide in favor of UT Austin." Wilcox feels that UT Austin draws the cream of the crop of undergraduate students into their graduate program. The incoming class for Fall 2007 is from 26 states and 8 countries. The average incoming GPA is 3.6 and the average GRE score is 1150.

One of the key strengths of the PHD program is its interdisciplinary approach allowing students to individualize their program of work. A student can take minor coursework allowing them to focus on their interests that coincide with advertising. With the breadth and depth of courses at UT Austin, there is almost no end to the possibilities.

4/16/2007