Baylor connections & experience pay off at NBC for this 2025 grad

Will Critchfield’s student experience at Baylor led directly to working with cutting-edge technology in his field, then a connection with a prominent Baylor graduate, and finally, an impressive first job after graduation.

For Critchfield, a member of the Class of 2025 from Glen Rock, N.J., success has never been about coincidence; it’s been about faith, perseverance, and the unwavering support of his Baylor community. As he graduates from Baylor this week with a major in film & digital media and a minor in entrepreneurship, his next chapter will begin with a role at NBC.

“God is so in control, and no matter what your circumstances look like, your success is dictated exclusively by how you abide in His grace and identity for you daily,” he says.

A pivotal part of Critchfield’s Baylor experience was his involvement with 6P Color, an innovative company aimed at enhancing color accuracy in digital media. Eager to gain firsthand experience, Will actively sought out opportunities to join the initiative. His Introduction to Mass Communication professor, Dr. Michael Korpi, who co-led the project, connected him to the effort.

“I offered to vacuum the floors of his office or just do anything so that I could be in the room to witness what they were doing,” Critchfield recalls. Working as a sales rep for 6P Color, he deepened his technical expertise and built connections — including with 6P Color CEO John Vilade (BA ’92, MA ’94), a fellow Baylor Bear who ultimately helped Will secure his role at NBC.

At the Peacock Network, Critchfield’s new role merges both the creative and business sides of media, as he’ll be working as an account sales representative for NBC’s advertising sales department. The role offers significant career growth opportunities, as well as lateral opportunities that will allow him to expand his expertise.

Beyond academics and career aspirations, Will’s faith has been his anchor. He credits God’s guidance for the doors that’ve opened for him along the way. “I felt like God kept opening and shutting doors for me, and I just walked through the open doors,” he says. His journey — from working in film production to securing a scholarship that allowed him to spend the summer in Los Angeles furthering his passions — reinforced his belief that every step was divinely orchestrated. “This, again, was all a total God thing.”

As he prepares to fling his green and gold afar, Critchfield carries with him the lessons Baylor instilled surrounding hard work, faith and the strength of connection.

Sic ’em, Will!