Lab students win district, earn national recognition

UT students competed against 108 schools through three cycles of the National Student Advertising Competition

The standard preparation cycle for the National Student Advertising Competition is nine months, a full academic year. But for students in “The Lab” -- our one-semester capstone program -- it took less than half that time to develop a winning campaign and advance to the national finals. 

NSAC students celebrating
Students celebrate a well-earned victory after the District 10 competition in Dallas. More than a line on a resume, this year’s competitive run was an unforgettable experience. (Photo: Yiming Pan)

Led by Liza Lewis, executive director of The Lab and associate professor in the Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations, UT students competed against 108 schools through three cycles. 

“We’ve got great students, great faculty and a great program,” says Lewis. “And our ability to excel in a short time frame is a testament to that. It was a thrill, and I’m very proud of our students.”  

group of NSAC students with NFL logo in back
Lab students won the District 10 competition in Dallas.  This year’s sponsor and client was the NFL, for which students presented an integrated advertising and public relations campaign. (Photo: Yiming Pan)

Sponsored by the NFL, this year’s competition challenged students to develop fully integrated campaigns grounded in research, strategy, and creative execution. The District 10 competition was held in Dallas, April 30, where Texas earned first place, beating schools from across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. From there, the team competed in the national semi-finals to advance to the national finals, held in Austin May 28-31, where UT was one of only eight teams from across the country. 

group of NSAC students and Liza Lewis on stage
Lab students were one of only eight teams out of more than 100 to earn a spot in the national finals of the National Student Advertising Competition in Austin in May. (photo: Yiming Pan)

Teams were evaluated based on both their plan books and final presentations. Lewis says one of UT’s advantages is the range of competencies our program offers.

“Our students and faculty are basically a cross-functional team with skills in strategy, creative, public relations, media, and immersive,” Lewis says.  “This team is a reflection of our program and the faculty who teach our students.”

NSAC students group together to talk with Professor Lewis
A post-pitch talk from Lab Director Liza Lewis at the national finals of National Student Advertising Competition. (Photo: Yiming Pan)

The Lab is a unique capstone program that packs a lot into a five-month window. 

NSAC students on stage
Students prepare their award-winning presentation at the national finals of the National Student Advertising Competition held in Austin in May 2026. (Photo: Yiming Pan)

Each term, Lewis and AdPR school director Matt Eastin coordinate a group of faculty to teach several sections based on their expertise and experience. Students, likewise, are placed in teams and departments according to their majors and concentrations, ensuring teams have complementary skills and knowledge. 

SRS faculty at NSAC dinner
Lab faculty Natalie Brown-Devlin, Tamara Bell Theresa Andrews attend the National Student Advertising Competition Luncheon, presented by ADMERICA, where winners were announced. (Photo: Yiming Pan)

Each section works with real clients to build real campaigns. Students host client meetings and presentations in our state-of-the-art facilities, known as The Lab, which includes a classroom with multiple screens, whiteboards, bulletin boards, and an audio production booth, plus a meeting room and a conference room. 

NSAC students in The Lab classroom
The award-winning team put in a lot of hard work in The Lab, a unique multi-purpose facility in the Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations, where students attend class, meet with clients and pitch ideas. (Photo: Yiming Pan). 

For their campaigns, students get support and advice from faculty coaches and industry experts. 

For competitions, interested students apply for the varsity team and top candidates are interviewed by the director. For the NFL campaign, 85 students applied and 37 were selected.  Lewis says with increased interest, a committee of Lab instructors will be formed to help with selection.

The Lab invites client-sponsors to work with our award-winning students and faculty. We can help solve your organization’s problem, grow your audience and expand your opportunities by developing fully integrated, measurable and strategic campaigns.

For more information, please reach out to Dr. Liza Lewis. 

Dave Junker
Associate Director