New York Times bestselling author, Ted Bell

LAKELAND, Fla. (Nov. 9, 2010) -- Bestselling novelist Ted Bell will be at Florida Southern College for the Nov. 12 dedication of the Dr. Marcene H. and Robert E. Christoverson Humanities Building. Bell's schedule includes presenting a class on Creative Writing to college students, and a book-signing in the Christoverson building following the dedication ceremony.

Bell, a native Floridian who lives in South Florida and Colorado, is the New York Times bestselling author of the Alex Hawke spy thrillers: "Hawke," "Assassin," "Pirate," "Spy," "Tsar,"and the just-published "Warlord."He also has written a series of young adult historic adventure novels, including "Nick of Time" and "The Time Pirate."

After graduating from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, Bell began a celebrated advertising career, starting in the early 1970s as a junior copywriter at Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB) in New York. By age 25, he had sold his first screenplay and become the youngest vice president in the history of the creative powerhouse. In 1982, he joined Leo Burnett Co. in Chicago as a creative director. He was named president and chief creative officer just four years later, at age 40.  Bell joined Young & Rubicam (Y&R), London, in 1991 as vice chairman and worldwide creative director. He won every award the advertising industry offers, including numerous Clios and Cannes Gold Lions, and, with Y&R, the Grand Prix at the prestigious Cannes Festival. After 10 years at Y&R, Bell retired in 2001 to write full time. 

Bell is a former member of the Randolph-Macon College Board of Trustees. He holds an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College in Michigan. He serves on the Men's Board at Mt. Vernon, a group chaired by former Secretary of the Army, Togo West.

In April, Bell was invited to attend the Department of Defense Joint Civilian Orientation hosted by the United States Special Operations Command. He observed first-hand the inner workings of the five branches of the American military. Chosen from thousands of applicants, Bell was nominated by Lt. Ryan White of the Coast Guard, a fan of the Alex Hawke series.