DBU Carter School of Business Teams Shine at National Digital Marketing Competition

Two student teams from DBU's Carter School of Business soared to success at the National Digital Marketing Competition held at Baylor University, showcasing their talent, preparation, and innovative thinking on a national stage.

Competing against 29 teams from 21 universities across the country, both DBU teams—comprised of students studying Marketing and Entrepreneurship—advanced to the Final Four in the highly competitive Presentation Pro bracket. The achievement marks a significant leap forward from last year's performance, highlighting the tremendous growth of DBU's digital marketing program.

The teams were mentored and coached by Dr. Kyle Allison and Professor Sandra Williamson, who worked diligently to prepare students for the rigorous event.

The student competitors included Jaylee Utash, Leah Soto, Abrynn Dennison, Layla Joseph, Courtney Canion, Zachary Kos, Baer Heck, John "JW" Altman, Matthew Mitchell, and Peter Coniari.

The national event welcomed participants from top institutions such as Florida State, Ohio State, the University of Florida, UT–Austin, Baylor University, and many others.

DBU's standout performance at the National Digital Marketing Competition included several notable accomplishments. Both DBU Team Blue and DBU Team Red advanced to the Final Four in the Presentation Pro main bracket, competing head-to-head with nationally recognized programs like Ohio State and Mercyhurst University. In individual events, Baer Heck secured 1st place in the Man vs. Machine Simulation, earning the top individual score in this competitive marketing challenge. Abrynn Dennison also claimed 1st place in the Viral Game (LinkedIn Edition), a fast-paced, live Q&A event focused on LinkedIn strategy and best practices. Overall, DBU's teams tied for 4th and 5th place out of the 29 competing teams, highlighting the university's rising influence and excellence in digital marketing education.

Dr. Kyle Allison, Assistant Professor of Marketing, shared his reflections on the experience:

"The DBU undergraduate marketing students delivered an outstanding performance at the National Collegiate Digital Marketing Championship. Representing the Patriots, two teams of five students each advanced to the Final Four of the premier event, Presentation Pro, out of a competitive field of 29 teams. This 20-minute pitch simulates a high-stakes digital marketing strategy presentation to stakeholders and is judged on presentation quality, digital marketing expertise, and overall delivery. The ten DBU students I observed that day demonstrated exceptional collaboration, preparation, and professionalism—not just in this main event, but across every challenge they faced. Throughout the competition, they remained grounded in integrity and faith, carrying themselves with grace, humility, and an unwavering positive spirit. Witnessing their excellence on such a prestigious stage was truly one of the proudest moments of my career as a professor."

Echoing that sentiment, Sandra Crawford Williamson, Assistant Professor and DBU's Marketing Department Chair, added:

"I am incredibly proud of our Carter School of Business students who represented DBU with excellence at the 2025 National Digital Marketing Competition. Advancing both teams to the Final Four, winning two individual events, and finishing top overall out of 29 teams from 21 universities is a remarkable accomplishment. This success reflects not only their hard work and preparation, but also the Christ-centered foundation that drives everything we do at DBU. Our students competed with integrity, excellence, and purpose while supporting one another and sharing their grace and enthusiasm with the other teams. We give God the glory for the opportunity to shine His light through our gifts, and we're grateful to see DBU students boldly living out their calling in the world of business."

With strong performances in both team and individual competitions, DBU continues to solidify its reputation as a rising leader in digital marketing education. The Patriot spirit was unmistakably present throughout the event, as students showcased not only their strategic thinking and marketing expertise, but also their professionalism, collaborative spirit, and commitment to excellence. Their success is a testament to DBU's Christ-centered approach to business education—developing students who lead with integrity, purpose, and passion.