By Carlyn Goodpaster
The Communications Department at Brigham Young University has its share of alumni visits with students in an effort to spark creativity and share valued experience. In September the department was honored to have alumnus Jason Bagley, creative director at renowned advertising agency Wieden + Kennedy, counsel with any communication students wishing to attend. The experience was one the students and professors alike won’t soon forget.

Bagley graduated from BYU with a degree in marketing communications in 2000 and began at W + K in 2004. As inspirational as Bagley was, what is perhaps more impressive is that he maintained an approachability not common of his position. His mentoring efforts are a great example of why giving back is essential. It reminds students that it is possible to achieve career success and stay true to basic values like humility.

This positive attitude didn’t go unnoticed by advertising students who tweeted their collective impression of Bagley: “Half man. Half awesome.” It is no wonder they took to him so enthusiastically. His manner is what Tom Robinson, associate professor of advertising at BYU, called unassuming and gracious. Professor Robinson expressed his gratitude that Bagley not only lectured, but also spent time in creative workshops with the advertising students. “It’s great to have him a part of what we’re doing,” said Robinson.

Effectively, Jason Bagley fosters a sense of prestige for the department. It encourages students to develop their imaginations and acts as an ensign to other universities.

Not only is Bagley a man of lofty concepts, his experience is also hugely relevant in today’s economy. Many students are concerned with finding lucrative jobs after graduation in a field as competitive and talent-filled as advertising. Thankfully, Bagley eased some anxiety about needing the next big idea. One pointed bit of wisdom he shared is that “genius doesn’t exist, just hard work.” As creative director of the Old Spice account, who created “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” famous, Bagley is a testament to this mantra of dedication. Robinson later said, “It’s nice to put [Bagley] on a pedestal to not only inspire students, but to also showcase the rewards of having endless supplies of patience and purpose.”

In addition to visiting with the students in September, Bagley may become part of what Professor Robinson referred to as the future advisory board, a mentoring program set up for advertising students. From a teaching perspective, AdLab students insist that Bagley inspired us to be better advertisers. Certainly, the dream for current students isn’t that far off from where Bagley is today. It’s only been ten years since he graduated and now he works for one of the premiere names in advertising. Robinson asserted, “Wieden + Kennedy [is] recognized by people all over the world as a prominent force in the world of innovative advertising.”

The BYU community should take away from the Jason Bagley experience a renewed faith in excellence. Our students are capable of realizing their dreams in forums in Provo, Utah and beyond. And potentially, they’ll come back and pay it forward.