Chris honoured as one of the best Australian advertising graduates in 50 years

Chris Colter, a Blue Mountains native, graduated from Charles Sturt's School of Information and Communication Studies in 2010 with degrees in Communication and Marketing, completing his honours in 2011. His award-winning career includes accolades such as the Global Cannes Young Lions, B&T 30under30, and Campaign Asia’s Young Achiever.

Currently the Managing Director (Media Strategy) at advertising agency Accenture Song, Chris’ latest accolade is one which acknowledges where his journey began.

“I feel very honoured and proud, and as a guy who grew up in a family where university was a pipe dream, this is a particularly special recognition,” Chris said.

“I would not be where I am today without my wife Claire who forced me to apply, my University and the many brilliant lecturers who believed in and coached me.

The ‘Five Decades of Advertising Graduates’ competition identifies an outstanding advertising graduate from each of the decades since. Candidates were scored across a set of criteria, including: Achievements, performance and client success; Number and quality of awards; Leading, advocating change, mentoring; and Application of knowledge and connections.

Part of Chris’ work to date has assisted some of Australia’s most prestigious brands to take the brave leaps necessary to impact their culture and growth, as well as leading some of the most famous campaigns in recent years such as Meat and Livestock Australia’s Spring Lamb, LEGO’s Star of Christmas, and Tourism Australia’s Aussie News Today and Dundee

Judges of the award noted Chris as a high achiever, creative, motivated and above all else, kind and willing to help.

It’s these qualities, coupled with his exceptional skills, which has led to Chris’ success, but if you ask him, he’d tell you he wouldn’t be where he is today if it wasn’t for his time at Charles Sturt.

“I was lucky enough to receive two scholarships during my studies at Charles Sturt University – the 2010 CSUFT Scholarship by Radio 2BS and the 2009 CSUFT Scholarship sponsored by Dr Oliver and Mrs Heather Fiala, AM,” (pictured above), Chris said.

“I’m eternally grateful to those who granted me the scholarships because without them I wouldn’t have been able to continue my studies.

“I actually still have the photo from the scholarship ceremony proudly hung on my lounge room wall, so not a week goes by where I’m not reminded of their generosity, and I will never take it for granted.”

Chris reiterated that his time at university changed the trajectory of his life, leading to the career of his dreams.

“I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in or have the lifelong friends I have it wasn’t for my time at Charles Sturt,” he said.

“Growing up in a small regional town in a family environment where further education felt so out of reach, I couldn’t be prouder to not only have completed my degree but to now be accepting such an incredible award like this.”

I’m eternally grateful to those who granted me the scholarships because without them I wouldn’t have been able to continue my studies.

Chris Colter Bachelor of Arts (Communication -Advertising)/Bachelor of Business (Marketing), 2011. Bachelor of Arts (Communication) (Honours), 2011.