NSAC Team Wins Big in Kansas City

This weekend, a team of students from Clarke competed in the 2026 National Student Advertising Competition, where they presented a marketing campaign to the National Football League (NFL). Throughout the yearlong process, they created a full-scale advertising campaign, including a 13-page plans book and a final presentation in Kansas City.

The presentation team preparing for their delivery (Credit: Eimear McMahon)

The team, led by professors Eric Wold and Chrissy Bartels, took home an incredible second-place finish, the highest ever for Clarke University. On their way to the podium, they beat many large universities, including the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the University of Missouri–Columbia (Mizzou), as well as Saint Louis University and Lindenwood University. Additionally, Eric Wold was individually recognized as “Advisor of the Year” by AAF District 9, and Benjamin Reiser was awarded “Best Stage Presence” of the competition.

At 2:10 PM on Friday, April 17, the presenter team around Isaac Guerrero, Megan Slover, Benjamin Reiser, and Kaelyn Minich took the stage and delivered a 20-minute presentation in front of a representative of the NFL and four other marketing experts, who acted as judges for the competition. They impressed all the judges, garnering many positive responses for their ideas and the sharp delivery of their campaign.

Presenter Kaelyn Minich later summarized: “Of course, second place hurts right now, but we’ve come so far in this project, and I am so proud that we showed everyone what we are capable of.” Minich, who was later approached by the NFL to connect with them, was a key part of the team’s success and explained that this experience is worth much more than what the final results show. Through a Q&A with the judges and conversations with other students and professors, NSAC helps young marketing professionals learn from others and expand their network.

Now back at Clarke, the group plans to present their work to the Clarke community. While no recording or publication of any work is allowed, there will be one presentation during finals week that interested students and faculty can attend. Looking ahead, there are many uncertainties about the future of NSAC, mainly because the Graphic Design program, the leading force behind this project, will be cut by the end of the academic year, and Professor Eric Wold was let go as part of that decision. Many of the students shared that they are heartbroken and that, while this was a life-changing experience, they wouldn’t want to do it without him.

Only one thing is clear: This group has shown that Clarke is a place where marketing, communications, or graphic design students can thrive and be part of one of the most successful programs in all of the Midwest. The name Clarke University was just put on the map for everyone.