The UH Advertising team won second place at the national competition in Oklahoma City earlier this month, ranking UH among the top 20 schools in the nation. | Courtesy Larry Kelly/The Daily Cougar
For the first time in 16 years, the UH student-advertising agency won back-to-back trophies — the most recent win occurring earlier this month at the National Student Advertising Competition.
Cougar Concepts won second place at the annual contest held in Oklahoma City, Okla., and first place at the contest in 2010.
“Our team narrowly missed winning the first place trophy by only eight-tenths of a point,” said Larry Kelley, professor and adviser for Cougar Concepts.
About 162 schools competed within District 10.
“They are competing against the best and brightest students nationwide,” Kelley said.
Cougar Concepts outscored schools like the University of Texas, Texas A&M, Texas State University, Texas Tech and the University of Oklahoma, ranking UH among the top 20 schools in the nation.
The competition is widely recognized among the top advertising agencies, leading to job placement for graduating seniors.
“Nearly every student who participates in the NSAC annual competition come away from the competition with a job,” Kelly said.
Each June, the NSAC announces the client and the respective client case study is released each September. Cougar Concepts was assigned to represent JCPenny.
Professor Kelly prepares the team by developing the overall plan each fall by interviewing prospective students.
Cougar Concepts was judged by a panel of ad agency representatives of the client on two aspects: a presentation and a 32-page plan book.
The basis of the ad campaign competition was to change the image of JCPenney and generate more sales among women 25 to 34, according to Kelly.
One half of the total national winners come from District 10.
“UH students should take pride in knowing their professors have their backs and will lead them to the success they seek,” said Chastity Mims, communications senior.
