The MSU Department of Advertising has a new face - well, this week it does.
Rick Boyko, the high-profile president and chief creative officer of Ogilvy & Mather in New York, is instructing a class through Thursday this week.
The department hosts two visiting professors each year in hopes to give students a new perspective into the advertising industry.
“I think this will give students a broader perspective of what the business is really like,” Boyko said. “At least from one point of view.”
This is the 10th year the department has hosted guest professors. Former advertising Professor Ken Jones and his wife Alice donated the initial funds to get the program running.
Boyko has a four-day syllabus that will address industry issues. He will also give his students the opportunity to present their ideas in front of the class to wrap up his stay.
“It is important for us to visit schools not only to give our philosophy but to also give something back to the industry,” Boyko said.
Jim Gilmore, an advertising professor and head of the committee that brought Boyko to MSU, said he was the best candidate to be a guest lecturer.
“Who else could you get that is any better?” Gilmore asked. “He is among the most qualified and talented people in the business. There are very few people who are as outstanding.”
Gilmore attributes Boyko’s success and status to being so active in the industry and holding a high position. He also said Boyko can identify with the students and gain their respect because he is young for the stature that he holds.
After the first day of class Monday, advertising senior Amy Marion said she was impressed with what Boyko has to offer her.
“This class is very different from the ones that people are used to taking,” Marion said.
“It is a nice change to be able to hear from someone who is currently working in the professional world that can show us what we can expect from the industry.”
And she hopes to learn even more.
Marion said she’s excited about the class and hopes she will benefit from Boyko’s knowledge.
“Before I try to find a job I would like to know what it is really like,” she said. “Hopefully this class will give me a least a little bit better idea of that.”
