Michael Clayton

Michael Clayton serves as a Senior Lecturer and Program Director for the Master's in Marketing program within the Marketing Department at the Kogod School of Business, American University, a position he has held since fall 2012. He actively teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Principles of Marketing (MKTG-300/KSB-213) and Marketing Management (MKTG-612) across multiple terms through 2025.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Florida
• M.A. in Advertising from Michigan State University
• B.S. in Marketing from Miami University

Clayton's research centers on marketing pedagogy and educational innovation, with documented publications in the Journal of Marketing Education and Journal of Advertising Education. His industry-informed scholarship bridges academic theory and practical applications in marketing communications, brand strategy, and advertising. Prior to academia, he leveraged nearly a decade of Detroit-based agency experience at Campbell-Ewald and BBDO managing communications for Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge, and Michelin.

As Program Director, he integrates real-world marketing challenges into curriculum design while mentoring students through applied client projects (MKTG-688) and global career accelerator programs. His teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning informed by extensive industry practice in account management and strategic planning.