"The only constant is change."
This statement is especially true because consumer tastes are constantly changing as well as the media those consumers use to interact with products and services. We are exposed to up to 5,000 ads per day on personal computers, on our telephones, at the gas pumps, in movie theaters, on wrapped cars, in bathroom stalls, on stickers placed on fruit, and during sporting events. Like advertising, public relations is everywhere, as practitioners strive to gain editorial coverage for individuals and companies.
Digital media has reshaped the ad game as consumers are leaving a digital trail of their consumption of products and services. Companies risk losing customers if they are unable to tailor campaigns that reflect and resonate with the target audience. Consumers desire a dialogue with brands, and social media (tweet, video, chat, post, hashtag, blog) is an ideal tool for advertisers to converse with current and potential customers. Companies need savvy and knowledgeable people to navigate ever-changing situations. This could be you.
Degrees Offered
Undergraduate Programs
Student Awards
Since 2014, Advertising and Public Relations majors have earned awards at the local, district, and national level. In 2016, Lindenwood University APR majors were the only university in the United States to earn the American Advertising Federation's Mosaic Award for their Spotify Campaign: "Hear the World from Your Spot." In addition, APR majors are proud to have earned the following:
- One National Silver ADDY Award, one District Gold ADDY Award, 10 St. Louis Gold ADDY.
- Mosaic Competition 2016, earned 1st place with campaign "Hear The World From Your Spot."
- Four Most Promising Multi Cultural Student Awards.
- The National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) Special Judges' Citation Award for Best Emotional Campaign: Tai Pei "Fortune Follows You", Best Campaign for Embracing the Brief: Wienerschnitzel "What's in Your Wiener, #JustBeingFrank", Best Campaign for Bright Idea: "Adobe, Your Trusted Partner", Best Presenter: Meta Quest 2 "Virtual Reality, Your Partner In The Next Big Steps", and Best Innovative Execution: Indeed "You Can Do It Anywhere"
- 89 students have graduated with Alpha Delta Sigma Advertising Honors.
- 11 students have received Certification in Advertising Ethics.
- Two students received the opportunity to participate in the Ad Club St. Louis Internship Hop.
- Two students received Ad Club St. Louis College Scholarships.
- Two students received the opportunity to receive certification in Media Planning and Buying from True Media.
- Chevy Marketing Competition, competed for the first time in 2023, earned 1st place for campaign "All Trax Lead Home."
- Competed in 2023 Digital Marketing Competition, client Soul Search, over 217 universities internationally with three finalists and two alternates, APR ranked 2nd alternate.
- Competed for first time in Digital Marketing Competition 2020, client ChangED which appeared on Shark Tank, over 85 universities internationally with three finalists and two alternates, ASC ranked 1st alternate.
Advertising and Public Relations Faculty
Dr. Kristy Tucciarone
Dr. Kristy Tucciarone, also known as Tucc, is a Professor of Advertising and Public Relations, as well as the Program Chair. She teaches the advertising curriculum and advises the student organization ADSPRC-A Student Chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF). In addition, Dr. Tucciarone is an active member of the American Advertising Federation and serves on the invitation-only National Education Executive Council and as well as the Board of Governors for AAF-Ad Club St. Louis. During her 24 years of teaching, Dr. Tucciarone has been recognized for her contributions to higher education and the surrounding community. She has been honored with the following: Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award, Faculty Excellence Awards, “Thirty Leaders in Their Thirties,” American Advertising Federation District 9 Faculty Educator of the Year, and American Advertising Federation Advisor of the Year.
Since joining Lindenwood University in 2014, her students have been honored with numerous accolades including: National ADDY awards, District ADDY awards, St. Louis ADDY awards, the National Student Advertising Competition Judges’ Citation Award, Most Promising Multicultural Student award, Alpha Delta Sigma Honor Society, and advertising scholarships.
Dr. Tucciarone’s research has been published in College Student Journal, College and University, The Community College Enterprise, Journal of Advertising Education, Journal of Public Scholarship in Higher Education, and The Popular Culture Studies Journal. She has also presented scholarly works at the following conferences: American Educational Research Association (AERA), American Culture Association/Popular Culture Association (ACA/PCA), Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), Missouri Academic Advising Association (MACADA), Midwest Popular Culture Association, St. Louis History Museum 1968 Exhibit, and Innovative Educators: Best Practices in Recruitment and Marketing (webinar). In addition, she served as a Reviewer for the Journal of Advertising. Furthermore, she served as an expert contributor to the St. Louis Beacon, BBC, and WalletHub.
Before beginning her teaching career, Dr. Tucciarone worked for the world’s largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch, in a public relations capacity. In addition, she worked for an advertising and public relations agency, and the largest direct marketing company as recognized by Ad Week. Some prominent clients included: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Chevys Mexican Restaurants, Crazy Fish, Office Depot, Privacy Guard, Maggie O' Brien's Restaurant and Pub, Montgomery Ward, Harry's Restaurant and Bar, Schneithorst's Restaurant, and Station Casino St. Charles.
Paul Gassett - Adjunct Instructor
Paul brings over 30 years of industry experience in both domestic and international as a business owner, teacher, mentor, and problem solver for businesses in numerous industries and put it all to work creating programs that inspire, innovate and improve business outcomes and the people who drive them. Paul also teaches in the Marketing program.
Marie Schmich - Adjunct Instructor
Marie is a seasoned Media Director, Planner, and Buyer and will talk to you all day about target audiences and her love of data. She has developed media strategy and implemented programs for a wide variety of brands from beverages to technology to retail. She prides herself on keeping up-to-date on the latest trends in the media and has exceptional skill in integrating new and old media types for her clients.