BYU students dominate the College Television Awards nominations, showcasing their incredible talent and creativity. Utah's pride, Brigham Young University, has made a remarkable impact with an impressive 17 students earning nominations at the prestigious Television Academy Foundation's College Television Awards.
Often referred to as the 'student Emmys', these nominations are a testament to the hard work and dedication of BYU's students. They have secured an impressive five nominations across three categories, an achievement that has earned them the title of the most nominated university in 2026. The College Television Awards celebrate excellence, imagination, and innovation in student-produced projects, and BYU students have certainly risen to the occasion.
But here's where it gets controversial... BYU students dominated a specific category, clinching all three nominations for commercial, PSA, or promo. This feat has resulted in a guaranteed win for BYU, an achievement that is even more impressive considering it's the fifth year in a row they've accomplished this. Mia Shumway, a recent BYU graduate, played a significant role in this success, writing two of the nominated projects. She is no stranger to accolades, having won a College Television Award last year for her powerful PSA on gender equality in sports.
One of her nominated projects this year, "Ink Up. Wash Out", is a hilarious Crayola ad featuring a child tattoo artist. The ad, produced by Eli Rothas and directed by Kyle Gilmour, showcases Shumway's creative writing skills. She explains how the ad idea sat in her files for a year before finding the perfect teammates to bring it to life during her senior year. The other nominated project, "Never Leave Home", is an adorable U-Haul advertisement following a family of ducks. Shumway's inspiration for this ad came from her observations of ducks near her home, providing a heartwarming escape from her stressful senior year.
Shumway is grateful for the talented team that helped bring these ads to life, including director Joseph Larsen and producers Carly Garrett, Abe Tullis, and Jeff Yi. She emphasizes the fun and rewarding feeling of working together as a team, and how it's not just about personal accomplishments but the collective effort.
The final nominated ad from BYU, "Gap: Wear With Care", is a heartfelt reminder of the impact our words can have on future generations. Created by director Porter Christensen and writers Maren Edwards, Jill Jackson, and Taylor Slade, this ad showcases the talent and creativity of BYU's advertising program.
As a professional now working in New York City, Shumway shares her insight into the advertising industry, revealing that most ad professionals create their portfolios during graduate school. However, BYU's advertising program is unique as it offers an intensive undergraduate portfolio-based program. Advertising professor Jeff Sheets highlights the dedication of the students and the program's focus on providing opportunities for real-world experience. He believes that combining the students' drive with a well-structured program leads to exceptional results.
The success of BYU students in advertising is a testament to the program's focus on creativity and hands-on learning. Professor Sheets expresses his joy in seeing his students succeed and become shining lights in the industry. He emphasizes that helping students achieve their dreams is the most rewarding aspect of his job.
And this is the part most people miss... BYU's success extends beyond advertising, with students Jaysen Duckworth and Connor Van Dyke nominated for their animated film "Love & Gold", and students Ryan Jones, Austin Lawrence, and Abigail Tolley receiving a nomination for their comedic piece "Thanksgiving".
The nominees will participate in professional development events with industry leaders before the awards show in North Hollywood in March. These events provide valuable networking and learning opportunities for the talented students.
BYU's dominance in the College Television Awards is a testament to the university's commitment to fostering creativity and excellence. The students' achievements inspire and push the boundaries of what is possible, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. So, what do you think? Is BYU's success a result of their unique program or the talent of their students? Let's discuss in the comments!
