Dan Petek has been an instructor at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication since 1984, but he holds his connections to the advertising industry close.  He uses those connections to show his students the crucial details of the world of advertising.

In his Creative Media Strategies and Technologies for Advertising course, he tasks students with creating multimedia content for advertising campaigns.

Students take on a more managerial role in his Advertising Seminar course.  Here, they learn the theories and application of communicating to political, medical or otherwise specific audiences.

In his Advertising Agency Operation and Campaigns course, they master the principles and functions of management in advertising.  Petek challenges them to plan, present, evaluate, and execute an advertising campaign.

Petek, who advises the Ad Club, also oversees the National Advertising Competition, advertising internships, and graduate job placement.

In addition to teaching, Petek co-founded America’s Armed Forces Kids Run, an annual event at American military bases around the world. Since 1986, the event has invited thousands of kids age 5-13 to participate.  It is now known as the world’s largest children’s running event.

As a result of this event, Petek authored “See How They Run: Anybody’s Guide to Organizing A Successful Children’s Running Event.” Published by the Nike Press, it takes readers through every step of creating an event that is constructive and fun for all participants.

He also serves as National Education Executive Committee co-chair of the American Advertising Federation or AAF.

Bio authored by Forrest Holt, Class of 2018