Chris Colter

Regional boy receives prestigious career award as one of the ‘best graduates in 50 years’

Chris Colter has been recognised as one of the best Australian advertising graduates of the last 50 years.

Growing up in the Blue Mountains, Chris graduated from the Charles Sturt School of Information and Communication Studies in Bathurst with degrees in communication and marketing in 2010, before completing his honours in 2011. His career has advanced in leaps and bounds with numerous awards to his name, including the Global Cannes Young Lions, B&T 30under30, Campaign Asia’s Young Achiever and Strategic Brand Planner of the Year.

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,” 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.”