Students at Stephen F. Austin State University’s College of Business recently showcased their entrepreneurial talents through a unique marketing course themed around pop icon Taylor Swift. The semester-long class highlighted how Swift’s marketing genius inspires new business strategies and creative ventures among students.
Dr. Amy Mehaffey, who taught the course, explained that the goal was to use Taylor Swift as a case study for entrepreneurship and marketing excellence. Students analyzed Swift’s career and developed their own product launches, combining creativity with practical business skills.
The course concluded with a public showcase where 43 students from nine majors displayed prototypes, visuals, and mockups reflecting their understanding of branding and marketing tactics. They demonstrated how real-world business concepts can be applied effectively, reinforcing their entrepreneurial thinking.
Mehaffey remarked, “Taylor Swift was simply an entry point; what students are really learning is how to think like marketers and entrepreneurs.” The class pushed students to engage critically with reputation management and strategic branding, skills essential to navigating public scrutiny.
Senior marketing major Logan Pantoja said the course greatly enhanced his marketing knowledge and creative skills. He noted, “My love for the discipline has only grown stronger, and I now have a new perspective on branding strategy.” This sentiment is echoed by many students who felt the course blended academic rigor with artistic expression.
The festive “Swift-Mas” theme added an engaging atmosphere, encouraging participation and celebrating students’ hard work. This creative approach allowed students to explore business challenges in an innovative and motivating environment.
Key highlights from the course include:
- Analysis of Taylor Swift’s entrepreneurial and marketing strategies
- Development of original product launches inspired by Swift’s branding
- Critical thinking about reputation management and public brand challenges
- Creation of prototypes and marketing visuals for practical application
Dr. Mehaffey emphasized that this hands-on experience equips students with versatile skills in marketing, branding, and problem-solving. Through this course, SFA students gain confidence to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities beyond the classroom.
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