Personal Introduction and Academic Journey
Hello! My name is Lindsay Ashford. I am an Accelerated BA/MA Advertising student. I will be receiving my bachelor’s in advertising and a minor in psychology in May 2026.
I am from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I spent all four years of high school on the yearbook staff, where I gained my passion for mass communications.
My decision to pursue a master’s degree in advertising reflects both a natural progression from my undergraduate studies and my commitment to staying agile in a dynamic industry. My minor in psychology has complemented my studies at Gaylord in several ways. It has provided a solid foundation for my curiosity about the psychological underpinnings of advertising. I look forward to integrating psychological theories related to consumer behavior and social influence during my remaining time at OU and in my future career in brand strategy.
This program appeals to me for its blend of creativity, strategy, and research. I have had the privilege to learn from Gaylord’s staff, whose enthusiasm for their work emanates from their lectures. They truly made my decision to spend an extra year at OU easy.
Among my short-term goals is to start my first year of graduate school with humility. Even if I am not the most knowledgeable student in my classes, I can always be the most eager to ask questions and learn.
My research interests include studying consumer perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in advertising. How does using AI in the creative process influence brand perception? Can marketers address consumer skepticism and distrust through transparency? Will AI use in this industry erode authentic creativity, or will it create opportunities to enhance it?
I have always been inspired by the legends of mass communications. With a commitment to upholding the integrity and emotional aspect of advertising, I hope to be a voice in maintaining human-centered storytelling. It is essential for the industry to strike a balance between traditional and AI advertising.
Lindsay Ashford 