James Hodgins

Biography

When asked what he does for a living, James Hodgins always responds he has the best job in the world. As an advertising instructor and director of two labs in Texas Tech's College of Media & Communication, James has the privilege of working with students who will be the future of the advertising industry. James discovered advertising as a senior at Texas Tech and knew it's what he wanted to do. Phil Price saw something in his measly portfolio and hired James as a copywriter at The Price Group, a small ad agency in Lubbock, Texas. There, he also assisted the broadcast creative director on video projects and edits. In 2007, he started to see the business opportunity of digital and social media, and by 2008, he had helped start a new digital advertising department at The Price Group and added Director of Social Media to his title. In 2011, James wanted to take on new challenges and became the first Coordinator of Internal Communications in the Texas Tech Office of Marketing and Communications. In this position, he created new ways to communicate to the university's 5000+ employees. While there, in 2012, he was recruited to teach the Advertising Writing course in the College of Media & Communication. Terrified at first, he quickly realized teaching was his true calling and decided to start pursuing a Master's degree in order to teach full time. During this time, the creative side of advertising started calling again, so James moved to become the Coordinator of Publicity and Communications with the Texas Tech School of Music, acting as a one-man agency for the school and it's over 400 annual concerts. He completed his Master's degree in December 2015 and was incredibly lucky to land his current full-time teaching job that same month. James currently teaches many of the skills-based creative courses including Advertising Writing, Design & Layout, Internet & New Media Advertising, and Design Thinking. He also advises many independent and group study students including a creative portfolio group and a special project in partnership with The Richards Group in Dallas to create a campaign for the Charles Schwab foundation. He is also the director of the Think Tank creativity lab and The Outpost Social Media Lab in the college as well as advisor for the Tech Advertising Federation. In addition to his professional experience, James has been involved with the American Advertising Federation since 2008 and served on the board from 2012–2019. He acted as Chair of the Programs Committee and American Advertising Awards committee twice and was President in both 2014 and 2017. During his professional career, James has won many local American Advertising Awards as well as 2 District Awards. James is married to his best friend, muse, and partner in life Martha, and they have a pack of pets at home in Lubbock.James has also been a part-time instructor in the Advertising Department for more than 4 years, teaching Ad Writing and Internet and New Media Advertising. 

Teaching Focus

Focused on skills-based courses and creative thinking, including:

• Advertising Writing
• Advertising Design & Layout
• Internet & New Media Advertising
• Design Thinking

Leadership & Awards

James is an active member of the American Advertising Federation Lubbock Chapter and served as president of the organization twice. He has won numerous ADDY Awards for his work at The Price Group, Texas Tech, and AAF. He was recognized as a West Texas Trailblazer in 2019 and won the AAF District 10 Public Service Award in 2018.