After several years of shaping the next generation of creative talent, Holly Hessler is moving from her role as Chair of Copywriting at VCU Brandcenter back into the industry full-time.
Hessler joined the Brandcenter faculty in 2020, bringing more than a decade of experience from top agencies including Media Arts Lab, 72andSunny, Deutsch, and McCann, where she worked on brands like Apple, Nike, Target, and Verizon.
In 2024, she stepped into the role of Chair of Copywriting, helping guide curriculum and student development while continuing to push work to a higher standard across the program.
Executive Director Vann Graves talks about Hessler’s dedication to craft and quality. “Holly sets a high bar, and helps students rise to meet it. Her impact on the work and the people here has been significant, and we’re grateful for the time, energy, and perspective she’s brought to Brandcenter.”
Over her time at Brandcenter, Hessler has been known for her ability to challenge students, sharpen ideas, and elevate the work.
“Holly knows how to push our ideas forward, taking our work to a higher standard as ad professionals,” alum Hannah Kakish (Copywriting, 2024), Junior Copywriter at Preacher, told us when Hessler became chair. “She always finds a unique insight into our concept and suggests another approach you didn’t see coming. Once the work is finished, it feels more true, ownable, and provocative.”
Debashish Dumbre (Copywriting, 2024), Copywriter at Wieden + Kennedy Shanghai, shared that “having Holly as a professor is like being presented with an insurmountable wall, at the top of which lie the best writers and creatives in the industry. The learning curve can be a bit steep, but she shows you the dents, cracks, and footholds in the wall. The tools Holly equips you with are invaluable.”
A Brandcenter alum herself (Copywriting, 2009), Hessler brought both industry perspective and a deep understanding of the program’s ethos into the classroom. Her work has been recognized at Cannes, D&AD, The One Show, and more, but her greatest impact at Brandcenter has been the students she’s mentored and the standard she’s set.
Hessler’s impact will continue to be felt in the work, thinking, and confidence of her students, and we’re grateful she’ll remain involved in Brandcenter programming.
