The Memphis Egotist would like to extend a big congratulations to the University of Memphis Ad Team, who placed second this past weekend in their division of the National Student Advertising Competition. Several members of the team hold internship positions at agencies in Memphis.

The University of Memphis Ad Team won Second Place in the Seventh District's competition of the National Student Advertising Competition. Winners were announced Friday, April 13 in Nashville at the American Advertising Federation 7th District's Conference.

Walter Smith, a member of the team, won the "Best Presenter Award." The five judges from Nissan, the client for 2012, commented on the team's strong creative strategy, integrated communication strategy and media plan.

Less than one point separated first place (Alabama) and Memphis. Savannah College of Art and Design placed third and Loyola (New Orleans) placed fourth. Other participating schools included Louisiana State University, the University of South Alabama, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, East Tennessee State University and the Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville.

Members of the Presentation team were Chris Porter, DeAundre Hutchison, Kristin Kelly, Jerry Williams and Walter Smith. Other members of the team were Tiffany Sherfield, Heather Zepponi, Sydnee Hammond, Emily Bottom, Daniel Scruggs, Georgia Murk, Barbara Riles, Jonathan Vaughn, Caitlin Giovannetti, Jessica Calvert, CJ Kelman and Crystal Anderson. Dr. Sandra H. Utt, assistant chair of The University of Memphis journalism department, was the team's adviser.

The National Student Advertising Competition is an annual competition governed by the American Advertising Federation Education Services department and the AAF Academic Division. Competition is divided into 15 districts, each containing one to five states. More than 150 colleges and universities take on the NSAC challenge each year on a national level. The 2012 NSAC national sponsor was Nissan North America.