Faculty Profile for Brent Harold Ladd

Biography Section

Biography and Education

Brent began teaching an advertising portfolio course in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University during the spring 2021 semester.

Before joining the university as a Lecturer, he retired as a Group Creative Director, Senior Vice-President from GSD&M after 31 successful years. Over the past three decades, he has provided leadership and vision for some of GSD&M’s most notable clients, including Southwest Airlines, AT&T, BMW, Goodyear, and the U.S. Olympic Team. His work has been recognized by every leading advertising award show including One Show, Communication Arts, New York Art Director’s Club, CLIO, D&AD, Effies and Cannes Film Festival.

Prior to joining GSD&M, Brent started his career as an art director at Bozell & Jacobs on American Airlines, Avis and Pace Picante Sauce. He then moved to TL/BBDO as an Associate Creative Director working on Frito Lay, Tabasco and The Ben Hogan Golf Company.


One of Brent’s proudest achievements was leading the successful relaunch of the Southwest Airlines brand at GSD&M. His Southwest Airlines “Wanna Get Away” TV spot was named among the most effective and memorable by USA Today.

Beyond his work, Brent enjoys helping creatives reach their potential. His experience as a Group Creative Director is now focused on mentoring his students toward success.

While Brent was at GSD&M, he taught an advertising portfolio course at The University of Texas at Austin and at the Austin Creative Department Ad School.


Brent participated in the One Club Mentoring program and the One Club Creative Boot camp at GSD&M. He has spoken at the Miami Ad School, The University of Texas at Austin and Texas State University among others.

Brent is a devoted husband, fun-loving dad, cyclist, Red Cross volunteer and an amateur magician (you have to see it to believe it). He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin.