From Wolverhampton to Nike: alumnus David Odusanya returns to inspire next generation of creatives

University of Wolverhampton graduate and Alumni Hall of Fame inductee shares career insights with Creative Industries students, reflecting on the university’s lasting influence on his success.

A successful career spanning some of the world’s most recognisable creative brands has not diminished David Odusanya’s connection to the University of Wolverhampton. Instead, it has strengthened his belief that giving back to the university and helping the next generation of creative talent is a responsibility he is proud to embrace.

David, who graduated from the University in 1991 with a BA in Visual Communications, recently returned to Wolverhampton to speak directly to a packed class of Graphic Design students, sharing his professional experiences, insights and advice to help them navigate their own creative journeys.

A former Vice President of Design at Nike, where he spent 25 years, David is now Co-Founder and Creative Director of CO-Lab. Based on the west coast of America, he was in Europe on business, including attending a conference in Milan, before travelling to London. With an opportunity to be back in the UK, he took the initiative to contact the University and ask if he could visit and spend time with students.

It was a gesture that reflected not only his affection for the institution but also his genuine desire to make a difference to those beginning their careers.

For David, returning to the University was about much more than revisiting familiar surroundings. As an alumnus, honorary graduate and member of the University’s Alumni Hall of Fame, he sees sharing his knowledge and experience with students as a duty — and an opportunity to give something back to a place that helped shape the person and professional he has become.

David credits many of the skills he uses today to the foundations he developed during his studies at Wolverhampton. Those early lessons have travelled with him throughout a distinguished career in design, informing his approach to creative thinking, collaboration and professional practice.

His message to students was a powerful reminder that the skills, knowledge and confidence developed during their university years can have a lasting influence, opening doors to opportunities they may not yet imagine.

Course Leader for Graphics, Marc Austin, welcomed David’s return and the opportunity it gave students to learn directly from a pioneer who has built an exceptional career in the creative industries.

Marc said: “It is always a real privilege to welcome David back to the University and to see him give so generously of his time to our students. Having someone of his experience speak directly to a packed room of aspiring creatives brings the realities of the industry to life in a way that is difficult to replicate in the classroom.

“David’s willingness to return, share his knowledge and help educate the next generation says a great deal about his connection to the University. His journey demonstrates what is possible with the right foundations, curiosity and commitment, and his advice gives our students valuable insight and inspiration as they consider their own futures.”

David’s visit is a testament to the important role alumni can play in shaping the experiences and ambitions of current students. While lectures, workshops and academic study provide essential foundations, hearing first-hand from graduates who have navigated the challenges and opportunities of professional life offers a different kind of learning — one grounded in lived experience.

Alumni bring more than career achievements when they return to the University. They bring perspectives shaped by years of practice, lessons learned along the way and an understanding of the decisions that can help young people find their place in a competitive industry. Their willingness to share that knowledge can help students recognise their potential, broaden their ambitions and approach their next steps with greater confidence.

David’s visit is a reminder that sometimes one conversation, one shared experience or one piece of advice from someone who has been there before can make a lasting difference to a student’s future.

To hear David reflect on his career and the role the University played in his journey, watch his Every Story Has a Start alumni video: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/alumni/every-story-has-a-start/david-odusanya/

To learn more about getting involved – alumni can contact the Alumni & Development Team at alumni@wlv.ac.uk.