By Kellie Britch, College of Arts and Sciences
Aside from her roles as an endowed professor and concentration head, Applequist is also associate director for the Center for Sustainable Democracy. (Photo courtesy of Janelle Applequist)
Janelle Applequist was appointed as the newly established Jordan Zimmerman Endowed Professor in Advertising in August 2025, marking a pivotal moment in her career 鈥� and an opportunity to redefine advertising education for the 21st century.
鈥淲hat excites me most is how this role allows me to bridge the gap between rigorous academic research and real-world impact,鈥� Applequist, who is an associate professor and concentration head for integrated public relations and advertising said. 鈥淲hen my pharmaceutical advertising research influences FDA policy that protects millions of consumers, or when our students work alongside Tampa Bay's top creative professionals at major industry events, the Zimmerman School is demonstrating that university-based advertising programs can be engines of positive change.鈥�
Applequist鈥檚 three-year strategic plan involves making USF a nationally recognized premier destination for advertising education, research and industry partnerships. She hopes to accomplish this by transforming student learning experiences, establishing world-class research infrastructure and building sustainable partnerships.
This comprehensive approach will prepare students for their futures while building sustainable partnerships that will benefit students, faculty and the industry for decades to come, ensuring this vision continues well beyond this initial three-year period.
鈥淒r. Applequist鈥檚 ambitious and exciting agenda for advancing innovation and excellence in advertising education and research will elevate The Zimmerman School鈥檚 profile as a top program in this field and contribute to our students鈥� career success,鈥� said Kathy Fitzpatrick, director of the Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications.