WKU News

Since its founding in 1988, Imagewest has gone from a small, student-run club to a 20-30 member team of collaborative students across more than 10 majors. Co-founder Sean Ward says: "It has always been our goal at Imagewest to meet the ever-evolving needs of the client and our interns." Over the last 35 years, Imagewest has supported over 500 internship positions, won over 100 professional/student awards, and has seen a 96% average rate of employment/continuing education in the field over the last 5 years.

Imagewest’s 35 Under 35 list boasts an impressive number of intern placements with industry-leading agencies such as TWBA/Chiat/Day, GSD&M, INNOCEAN, Buntin, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and more.

Imagewest Co-Director Kara Glenn proudly remarked: "Imagewest is actively shaping the future of our industry from Bowling Green, Kentucky. Our talented team of emerging professionals learn the demands of agency life, the power of collaboration, and the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Every intern that has walked through our doors, since the beginning of my tenure, works on a diverse, cultural, or non-profit pro-bono project. Our interns learn how to use their unique professional skills to make the world a better place for people of all races, religions, and backgrounds."

Recently, Imagewest has launched culturally diverse pro bono projects for the International Center of Kentucky, Roots 101, Refuge BG, and Mashup Nashville, which bridges the gap between healthcare professionals and LGBTQ men of color.

Co-Director David Vawter is a recent addition to the WKU advertising faculty. Vawter is currently Executive Vice Chairman at Doe-Anderson in Louisville, Kentucky’s largest and longest-established ad agency. From 2010 through 2021, Vawter served as the agency’s Chief Creative Officer.

Vawter stated that “finding graduates that are ready to run at full speed in an agency setting has always been a big industry challenge. I have long been impressed with the quality of work that comes out of Imagewest, so when Kara and the rest of the Art & Design leadership offered me the chance to help shape the future of the program, it was an opportunity I couldn’t resist.”

Throughout the academic school year, Imagewest will be releasing a blog series featuring members of the 35 Under 35 and demonstrating how their undergraduate experience paved the way for professional success.

Contact: Imagewest, 270-745-8750 or accounts@wkuimagewest.com