Meet the Professor: Melanie Sarge
What class/classes do you teach?
In our undergraduate course sequence for the Department of Advertising I primarily
teach Advertising Theory and Advertising Campaigns. In the theory course we apply
classic and contemporary theories of persuasion to create advertisements and the campaigns
course is our senior capstone course where the students apply all that they have learned,
while working for a real client. I also teach two other advertising courses from time
to time, Principles of Advertising and Advertising and Society, and a number of graduate
courses.
What would you like your students to take away from your class/classes?
I love learning; it is what motivates me. Thus, as a teacher I continuously strive
with great effort to ensure my students experience similar inspiration and empowerment
while learning. There are three components I believe are necessary before one can
be inspired or empowered. The three components are relevance, application, and enjoyment.
Therefore, the outcome I hope for is that my students: (1) find something in each
course that is relevant to their lives, (2) gain practical skills that prepare them
for their immediate and long-term goals, and (3) enjoy learning something from class.
What is your favorite movie?
This is a very hard question. I love movies and can re-watch just about any movie
multiple times. I guess one of my favorites is Moulin Rouge (the one with Ewan McGregor).
What is your favorite local restaurant in Lubbock?
Another hard question but I'll go with Rudy's BBQ. I will note that I keep pizza
restaurants in a category of their own. So, if we are talking pizza, West Crust and
One Guy are my favorite depending on what type pizza we are evaluating.
Academically, who inspires you?
My husband. He is also a professor and researcher (we met in graduate school). The
passion he has for his work is contagious.
If you could tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
I would remind myself to keep a larger perspective on life. I would tell myself,
“Not everything is as big of a deal as you feel like it is right now. If something
big changes, bad happens or you simply make a mistake, it is not the end of the world
as you know it. There is much more life to live, so many more chapters to experience
and more people in the world besides you and your friends. Enjoy life with less worry
because there is more to come.
What was the defining moment that helped you determine your career path?
Taking a summer course on Persuasion as an undergrad. I lived about an hour and a
half away from home during college but usually went home every summer and never considered
staying in town to take classes. However, the summer before my senior year I found
out the professor that I wanted to take Persuasion with was leaving in the fall and
thus, I had to take the course in the summer. In the end, I loved the course, enjoyed
how much quieter campus was and the professor recommended that I get a graduate degree.
What advice do you have for anyone seeking a career in the advertising field?
Search for information about the field. Talk to as many people in the field or related
to the field as you can. Gaining more knowledge and experience in this area will only
benefit you. Don't be shy—just go learn as much as you can by reading, talking, and
observing. There is nothing to lose from learning about something and it will help
you make a decision that is best for you.
