UIndy Master of Arts in Public Relations Faculty

Areas of Expertise

Public relations writing, media relations, media training, creative direction, crisis communications, PR ethics, PR history, literary journalism, newswriting, editing, PR practice-area specializations, scriptwriting, strategic planning, coaching writers.

Background

Extensive professional experience in these PR practice areas: agency, health care, higher education, economic development, emergency preparedness/response, travel/tourism. New to UIndy after teaching for 20 years at Franklin College, where I developed the major in public relations and the nation’s first required college course in PR history. Member of the International Association of Business Communicators, American Journalism Historians Association, and the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. 

Research Interests

Public relations history, especially related to the World War II U.S. Office of War Information, and the work of military public relations officers during the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Also, coaching writers in news and public relations settings. 

Education

• A.A. Lake Michigan College 
• B.A. Indiana University
• M.A. Ball State University
• Ed.D. Ball State University

Fun Facts 

1. Whenever possible, I like to spend college breaks doing freelance PR writing and planning, and sometimes going back into the field to work in PR, most recently with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
2. I agree with this statement by Thomas Jefferson: "I cannot live without books."
3. Most important, if you're ever curious about the elegant culinary and cultural elements of a true Chicago hot dog, I'm your guy. 

Favorite Thing about UIndy

The amazing array of live music performances open to the community.

Areas of Expertise

Public relations program development, evaluative measures for public relations outputs and outcomes, brand identity, community service initiatives in higher education.

Background

A native Hoosier, spent several years traveling and promoting different athletic teams. Has worked domestically in internal and external relations for both corporations and non-profit organizations. A Fulbright Scholar, Plank Fellow, and textbook author, who is an active member of many professional organizations, including the Public Relations Society of America. Has guest taught at Pepperdine University, Auckland University of Technology, and has been an invited speaker on public relations curriculum development spanning from Australia to Ireland.

Research Interests

original survey development, brand perception, professional outcomes related to curricular structure in higher education

Education

• BA, Psychology, University of Indianapolis
• MA, Communication Studies, Ball State University
• EdD, Higher Education/Public Relations and Communication Studies, Ball State University

Fun Facts

Loves living abroad, traveling, the sun, playing sports, humor, music, and having all necessary things in life fit in one backpack.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

human communication, broadcast journalism, digital multimedia production, education leadership, interviewing, qualitative research, public speaking

BACKGROUND

Katie lived and worked in Washington, D.C. where she held many positions that included: press secretary in the United States House of Representatives; news reporter and videographer for ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates; marketing manager of a global, non-profit organization; communication instructor at Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University; television show host for Arlington Television; and writer and blogger for Northern Virginia Magazine. As a journalist, Katie produced, wrote, and reported television, print, and electronic news stories to large, diverse audiences throughout the country and interviewed policymakers, scientists, and world leaders. These experiences have allowed her to transfer current skills and best practices “in the field” to lessons in the classroom.

EDUCATION

• Ph.D., Education Leadership & Policy Studies, Qualitative Research Methods; Purdue University
• M.S., Broadcast Journalism, Syracuse University, S.I. Newhouse School of Public CommunicationsB.A., Telecommunication, Purdue University

FUN FACTS

Katie is a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. Family, health, and education are Katie’s chief values, and her favorite pastime is spending time with her family and Chihuahua, Simon Says.

Areas of Expertise

Human communication, rhetoric, public address, argumentation & debate.

Background

I began my time at UIndy in 2017. Before coming to Indianapolis, I taught at a variety of institutions including: SUNY-Oswego, Wayne State University, University of Michigan- Dearborn, and the University of West Florida. In addition to my role as an assistant professor, I am the Director of the UIndy Forensics Speech & Debate Team. I have had the privilege of working with several state and national award-winning forensics teams.

Education

• Ph.D., Communication/Rhetoric, Wayne State University
• M.A., Political Science/Public Administration, University of West Florida
• B.A., Communication/Public Relations, University of West Florida

Fun Facts

I have a dog named Monkey.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

I love how eager and involved the students are in and out of the classroom. This campus is so full of talent! It is inspiring to see the wealth of quality education transpiring at UIndy.