Master’s in Strategic Communication
Strategy. Analysis. Leadership.
If you are interested in growing professionally and intellectually as a strategic communication professional, the graduate program may be for you.
The mission of the Master’s in Strategic Communication program is to prepare responsible and professional thought leaders—through theories and skills in strategy, research, storytelling, new media, and leadership—for success in today’s competitive digital and global communication environments.
Learn, Work and Network
Join leading professors on a thriving campus located in the country’s fifth-largest media market.
Advance Your Professional Goals
Our graduates are hired into positions in advertising, public relations, digital media, corporate communication, non-profit communication, public communication, sports communication, and other positions that benefit from the expertise strategic communication students develop. Read about MS ’12 alumnus Nick Olivier’s experiences.
Gain Opportunities and Experience
With TCU’s location in one of the largest media markets in the country, Strategic Communication students gain valuable experience from collaboration with brands, agencies and non-profits in simulated and real-world, client-based communication projects, and through internships, networking and job opportunities.
Financial Awards
We do not want the cost of a graduate education to prohibit you from pursuing your goals. We are able to support the goals of many of our students through merit-based tuition waivers that cover all or part of a student’s tuition and Graduate Teaching Assistantships that provide a monthly stipend to help with other expenses. These assistantships also provide students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty in ways that advance their understanding of the discipline.
Meet some of our Strategic Communication graduate students
Amber Bilops
Amber Bilops
Undergraduate Education: Integrated Studies from University of North Texas
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Master’s Program: Strategic Communication
Why did you choose Texas Christian University?
It is my dream school
Why did you choose strategic communication?
I’m wanting a career in communication, preferably with the NFLPA.
What are you interested in researching and/or learning about?
How to become a better writer.
What are your internships, responsibilities, and/or hobbies outside of classes?
I intern with Dallas Sports Commission as social media and marketing intern.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
Get fully into my career, possibly with the NFL.
Jade Currid
Jade Currid
Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications with a Concentration in Journalism from Auburn University in Alabama
Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama
Master’s Program: Strategic Communication
Why did you choose Texas Christian University?
As a full-time employee at Texas Christian University, I have witnessed firsthand several admirable characteristics that permeate campus including high standards of academic excellence, a strong collective spirit and sense of community, the extra mile that faculty routinely go to ensure students’ academic and career success, and the overall pride and enthusiasm of being a TCU Horned Frog.
Why did you choose strategic communication?
I chose Strategic Communication because it sharpens imperative critical thinking, strategy, research, storytelling, new media and leadership skills to succeed in today’s competitive digital and global communication environments. This program is an excellent fit to build upon the professional skill set I have. A Master’s of Science degree in Strategic Communication enables professionals to flourish in journalism, public relations, marketing and digital media careers, as well as opens up countless other career options.
What are you interested in researching and/or learning about?
I am interested in strengthening my critical thinking, writing, storytelling and digital media abilities.
What are your internships, responsibilities, and/or hobbies outside of classes?
I work full-time as an Academic Program Specialist in the TCU Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice. As a freelance writer, I author the Ranch and Performance Horse column for Working Ranch Magazine. I had the honor of writing the cover story on nine-time world champion cowboy and PBR cofounder Ty Murray and his horsemanship philosophies and promotion of better horsemanship for the March 2022 edition of Western Horseman Magazine. I am a freelance photographer as well. As a runner, I appreciate the dynamic running community in the DFW area.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I hope to reach my full potential and positively impact my working environment and community through the skills and knowledge I have gained.
Tonia Fishman
Tonia Fishman
Undergraduate Education:Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Master’s Program: Strategic Communication
Why did you choose Texas Christian University?
I chose TCU for its renowned and rigorous academics, as well as the sense of community. TCU isn’t just a university; it’s my second home.
Why did you choose strategic communication?
I labored to decide which Master’s program I wanted to join. I was initially leaning toward Psychology, but after reviewing what TCU’s Strategic Communications program offered, I was instantly sold, as it blends my two passions: communication and psychology. Knowing your audience is the best way to craft your message and effectively reach your target.
What are you interested in researching and/or learning about?
I am all about the data; discovering how to effectively research and analyze data is a continual source of my joy and wonder.
What are your internships, responsibilities, and/or hobbies outside of classes?
I am a proud wife, mother, TCU employee, dog mom, and active church participant. I enjoy cooking, reading, gardening, drawing, painting, knitting, and spending quality time with family and friends.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I aspire to take my knowledge and do my part to make this world a better place through communication, service, love, and humor. Where God leads me, I will follow.
Leah Griffin
Leah Griffin
Undergraduate Education: Sociology from Texas Christian University
Hometown: Aledo, Texas
Master’s Program: Strategic Communication
Why did you choose Texas Christian University?
I am one of the very lucky to call TCU my alma mater and employer!
Why did you choose strategic communication?
Many students I work with are strategic communication students. To better serve my students and my college strategic communication was an easy choice.
What are you interested in researching and/or learning about?
I am excited to build research skills and hopefully find an area or field that needs advancement and hopefully contribute to that body of work.
What are your internships, responsibilities, and/or hobbies outside of classes?
I am a “boy mom” to two awesome kiddos! My husband and I celebrated 18 years together in 2022. We enjoy chauffeuring our boys to baseball practices and games. I love to play tennis and enjoy gardening.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I will continue my career at TCU and look forward to the opportunities a master’s degree provides.
Miya Hillesland
Miya Hillesland
Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication from Texas Christian University
Hometown: Morgan Hill, California
Master’s Program: Strategic Communication
Why did you choose Texas Christian University?
I decided to stay two more years at TCU because of the intimate class sizes, professor and student relationships, the ability to chose your own research topics and follow your interets, and, most importantly, because I wanted to stay in Fort Worth! Cowtown has become a big part of my life, and I am not ready to leave yet!
Why did you choose strategic communication?
I chose this program because of how versatile it is. It is so fascinating to hear about how all my peers have vastly different jobs in different fields, yet we all learn the same things. This degree is what you make of it. You can have a career in sports, politics, youth development, agriculture, and so much more!
What are you interested in researching and/or learning about?
Specifically, I have narrowed my interests and research to the field of agriculture. Currently I am working on two research projects, one about FFA’s leadership impact on youth in rural areas and another about crisis communication and framing in the food production industry. It is so fascinating to learn more about the backbone of our country and implement my interests into the classroom setting!
What are your internships, responsibilities, and/or hobbies outside of classes?
I am currently a graduate assistant in the Office of the Chancellor and President here at TCU where I get the opportunity to work closely with university administration and focus on communication/marketing strategies within the office. Recently I accepted an internship position for summer 2025 as a
communications intern at Mountaire Farms in Delaware! I am so excited to finally get the opportunity to work in a new and interesting field.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
My “why” and career goals are driven by a passion for agriculture’s transformative potential to foster positive change, build communities, and promote sustainable practices, using transparent and ethical communication to bridge the gap between agriculture and people while inspiring others to embrace these values for a more sustainable future. The goal is to one day work in crisis communication or strategic planning in the ag field!
Taylor Chase McArthur
Taylor Chase McArthur
Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Arts in Professional Media, University of Central Oklahoma
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Okla.
Master’s Program: Strategic Communication
Why did you choose Texas Christian University?
I chose Texas Christian University because they not only offer great resources for career development but also value your education. Plus, I’ve always wanted to go to a university out of state but close enough to my loved ones!
Why did you choose strategic communication?
I chose this program because I’m a storyteller who loves to depict colorful meanings through various communication channels.
What are you interested in researching and/or learning about?
I’m interested in learning how to be an impactful yet effective leader.
What are your internships, responsibilities, and/or hobbies outside of classes?
I typically take pictures for fun and do coloring books. Also, I like to take dance or yoga classes every now and then.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to work in either the arts/entertainment industry as a creative manager or in politics as a communications specialist.
Caleb Neff
Caleb Neff
Undergraduate Education:Bachelor of Arts in Language and Linguistics from Baylor University
Hometown: Anna, Texas
Master’s Program: Strategic Communication
Why did you choose Texas Christian University?
From the moment I first stepped onto campus, TCU felt like home to me; I was immediately captivated by the caring culture and engaging atmosphere that exists here. During my master’s program research and application process, I was both comforted and impressed the most by the amount of personal care and attention I received from the faculty and staff at TCU.
Why did you choose strategic communication?
I have spent nearly the past decade of my life living and working abroad in Seoul, South Korea as a professional English teacher and a community organizer. I chose the master’s in Strategic Communication program because I would like to advance my career to the next level, while also gaining the local experience, education, and connections necessary to do that.
What are you interested in researching and/or learning about?
I am most interested in learning how language and society interact via different communication methods. I enjoy learning about how communication varies among different cultures/demographics, and how an understanding of these differences can assist me in my career.
What are your internships, responsibilities, and/or hobbies outside of classes?
I am a Student Event Coordinator for University Events at TCU. I also do private English tutoring online to students from around the world. At home, I am a part-time carer for my mother and pet parent to two adorable doggos. I enjoy playing video games in my spare time, mostly World of Warcraft.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I would like to work in the nonprofit sector with organizations that support and uplift gender, racial, and ethnic minorities and assist communities in crisis. I would also like to eventually move on to pursue a doctorate degree as well, likely in the field of women’s and gender studies.
Holly Rusak
Holly Rusak
Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Journalism from University of Texas at Arlington
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Master’s Program: Strategic Communication
Why did you choose Texas Christian University?
Growing up in and around Fort Worth, TCU has always been the “home” university for me. While I didn’t get to attend as an undergrad (Go UTA Mavs!), I was thrilled when I got a job in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication. Now, I’m beyond excited to be a Horned Frog for real and eventually an alumna.
Why did you choose strategic communication?
Strategic communication just makes sense for my academic and professional work. Being a later-in-life, non-traditional student gave me a deeper appreciation applying classwork directly to my job. Despite the (journalism) at the end of my degree, I’ve been fortunate enough to do all kinds of creative communication work, and that’s what I hope to continue doing. And I’ve been fortunate to see firsthand how amazing the Strat Comm faculty is: brilliant and welcoming. Who better to help me take my career and education to the next level?
What are you interested in researching and/or learning about?
Accessibility in communication. Communicators have a duty to ensure that everyone has equal access to messaging, regardless of ability. As content moves more and more to being online only, it’s vital that screen readers and other adaptive programs can easily convey our messages to our audiences.
What are your internships, responsibilities, and/or hobbies outside of classes?
I’m a full-time staff member with the Schieffer College, where I’m the Director of Digital Media. In my free time (which I don’t expect to have for the next few years…), I love embroidery (please come see my art wall!), snuggling my dogs, Franco and Bettis, and beating my husband, Ryan ’98, at Jeopardy.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
Definitely get back to some of those hobbies! But I look forward to a nice, long career in the Schieffer College, bringing what I’ve learned to life for our students, faculty and staff.
Ella Stein
Ella Stein
Undergraduate Education:Bachelor of Science in General Communications from Texas Christian University
Hometown: Hudson, Wisc.
Master’s Program: Strategic Communication
Why did you choose Texas Christian University?
I chose TCU because of the incredibly talented professors, close-knit community, and wide variety of professional opportunities available on campus and in the DFW area.
Why did you choose strategic communication?
Strategic Communications is a wonderful combination of advertising and public relations, which is exactly what I want to do in my future career. This program lets me use both creativity and research/logic to provide organizations solutions to a wide range of business needs.
What are you interested in researching and/or learning about?
I am excited to learn how to confidently take charge of a research project or advertising campaign so I can provide credible solutions to value-driven companies.
What are your internships, responsibilities, and/or hobbies outside of classes?
I have interned at AWT Labels and Packaging, TCU Burnett School of Medicine and Ergodyne. I was a D1 swimmer here at TCU and retired in Spring 2025. I am currently a teaching assistant for Dr. Jung and am learning how a successful classroom is run behind the scenes. I love reading (currently going through Brandon Sanderson’s “Cosmere”), creating art, animals of all shapes and sizes, and baking sweet treats for friends.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
There’s a wide net of possibilities, but I hope to work for a company that aligns with my passions and values (whether it be animals, environmental issues, or the entertainment industry) and work on their creative team to explore strategic ways to solve their communication problems through research, community outreach, and social media campaigns.
A Letter from the Director
Dear Prospective Graduate Student,
On behalf of the faculty and students of the Department of Strategic Communication in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University, welcome to our Department. You have an interest in advancing your professional and intellectual goals and capabilities in areas of strategic communication, and we are honored that you are considering us as a program to advance those goals. At the same time, we know that pursuing a Master’s degree is an important decision. We look forward to learning more about you and to answering any questions you may have as you make these important decisions about your professional future.
In determining the right graduate program, applicants are often interested in the ways in which the program may support their professional and educational successes, including through the program’s emphases, faculty engagement and expertise, mentorship and program culture, professional development opportunities, location, timing, and cost. I hope to provide you with some helpful information about our program as you evaluate these and other considerations in making your decision…
Read in FullDear Prospective Graduate Student,
On behalf of the faculty and students of the Department of Strategic Communication in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University, welcome to our department. You have an interest in advancing your professional and intellectual goals and capabilities in areas of strategic communication, and we are honored that you are considering us as a program to advance those goals. At the same time, we know that pursuing a Master’s degree is an important decision. We look forward to learning more about you and to answering any questions you may have as you make these important decisions about your professional future.
In determining the right graduate program, applicants are often interested in the ways in which the program may support their professional and educational successes, including through the program’s emphases, faculty engagement and expertise, mentorship and program culture, professional development opportunities, location, timing, and cost. I hope to provide you with some helpful information about our program as you evaluate these and other considerations in making your decision.
Emphases
TCU’s mission is to educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in a global community. Our graduate program is committed to enacting this mission as we equip strategic communication professionals with a broadened understanding of theories and skills with emphases on strategy, research, storytelling, new media and leadership. To this end, students develop competencies and expertise across advertising and public relations courses that enable them to compete and lead, ethically and responsibly, in today’s digital and global world. A list of our graduate courses may be found in TCU’s Graduate Catalog.
Students benefit from TCU’s teacher-scholar model, which means that Master’s students are taught by versed professionals, thought leaders and top scholars in strategic communication. It also means that we are committed to fostering an environment of rich intellectual and professional engagement with our students.
Faculty Engagement and Expertise
All graduate faculty in Strategic Communication are active in research and/or creative activities, teaching and service activities that support the University, the discipline, and our communities. Our faculty have professional experience and scholarly expertise in advertising and public relations, including corporate communication, crisis communication, non-profit communication, public communication, health communication, community engagement, mobile, digital, and social marketing and advertising, consumer behavior, consumer culture, branding, corporate social responsibility, and ethics. In recent years, our faculty have been recognized for their work with various awards and honors, including: a Fulbright Scholar, the Jackson-Sharpe Award (2016, 2014, 2008), Senior Associate Editor for the Public Relations Journal, TCU Dean’s Award for Research, among many others.
Mentorship and Culture
Our focus is on maintaining a program that focuses on a smaller number (approximately 18-25) of in-residence graduate students. This means that students work closely with faculty and with each other to develop deeper understanding and stronger competencies in areas that advance their individual professional and intellectual goals. While all of our faculty are available to mentor graduate students and to lend their areas of expertise to a student’s development, each works closely with a faculty mentor and support committee to develop their capstone project or thesis. Additionally, our students benefit from the advice and experience of the networks of communication professionals and organizations who visit our classes and work with students in our program. Students also have access to a dedicated Schieffer College Career Advisor to help guide them on next steps after completion of the Master’s degree.
Professional Development Opportunities
TCU’s location in one of the largest media markets in the country opens students to a vast network of local, national, and global companies. TCU’s role an important and positive part of the DFW community opens a vast array of opportunities. Faculty and staff regularly network with professionals and our strong alumni network. Strategic Communication students gain valuable experience from collaboration with brands, agencies and non-profits in simulated and real-world, client-based communication projects, and through internships, networking and job opportunities.
Cost
Many of our graduate students pay no tuition. We know the cost of continuing education can be a challenge. We are proud that we are able to offer many of our students merit-based tuition waivers and that cover all or part of a student’s tuition and Graduate Teaching Assistantships that provide a monthly stipend to help with other expenses. These assistantships also provide students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty in ways that advance their understanding of the discipline.
Location
Fort Worth is an exciting place for communication professionals. It is situated in the fifth-largest media market in the country (according to Nielson) and is the 13th largest city in the United States and growing, based on population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. With the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport minutes away, it is an international hub with easy access to travel around the world. As a business-friendly city with a strong cultural heritage, Fort Worth offers significant opportunity for communication professionals. Many local, national and international advertising and public relations organizations call this area home. While many may think of the Historic Stockyards as the feature of Fort Worth, the city boasts world-renowned art museums, music venues, sporting events, shops and a plethora of community-based cultural opportunities. Don’t let the large size fool you. With a strong sense of community, thriving neighborhoods and a welcoming spirit, Fort Worth has a small-town feel with big-city benefits. For more information on Fort Worth, see fortworth.com.
Sincerely,
Josh Bentley, PhD
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Strategic Communication
Texas Christian University
Nationally Recognized Faculty
Committed to Teaching and Mentoring
Josh Bentley
Public relations; law; crisis communication; fundraising strategies; nonprofit media
Josh Bentley
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
Selected Academic Publications and Presentations
- Bentley, J. M. (2018). What counts as an apology? Exploring stakeholder perceptions in a hypothetical organizational crisis. Management Communication Quarterly, 32(2), 202-232.
- Bentley, J. M., Oostman, K. R., & Shah, S. F. A. (2018). We’re sorry but it’s not our fault: Organizational apologies in ambiguous crisis situations. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 26(1), 138-149.
- Yang, A., & Bentley, J. (2017). A balance theory approach to stakeholder network and apology strategy. Public Relations Review, 43(2), 267-277.
- Bentley, J. M., White, J. M., Weiss, D., & Shields, J. D. (2016). Teaching integrated marketing communication campaigns. Teaching Journalism and Mass Communication, 6(1), 18-35.
- Bentley, J. M. (2015). Shifting identification: A theory of apologies and pseudo-apologies. Public Relations Review, 41(1) 22-29.
Previous Experience
- Assistant professor at the University of New Mexico.
- Morning show host and production director radio stations in Alabama, Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Honors & Awards
- Top Faculty Paper, National Communication Association (Public Relations Division)
- Top Poster, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (Public Relations Division)
- Top Student Paper, National Communication Association (Public Relations Division
- Top Student Paper, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (Religion and Media Interest Group)
- Third Place Faculty Paper, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (Public Relations Division)
Professional Affiliations and Associations
- National Communication Association
- Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Catherine Coleman
Advertising, consumer culture and transformative consumer research: well-being; consumer vulnerability; marketing and advertising ethics; advertising history; social media culture; cross-cultural marketing and communication
Catherine Coleman
Chair of Strategic Communication and Professor
Selected Academic Publications and Presentations
- Journal of Advertising, “Transformative Advertising Research: Reimagining the Future of Advertising.”
- Journal of Macromarketing, “Institutional Logics, Gender, and Advertising within a Culture in Transition: Examining Strategies of Advertising Professionals in Turkey for Managing Institutional Complexity.”
- Journal of Advertising, “Advertising Professionals’ Perceptions of the Impact of Gender Portrayals on Men and Women: A Question of Ethics?”
- “Justice in Injustice, Power in Vulnerability: The Dialogical Potential of The Uncondemned.” in Consumer Vulnerability: Conditions, Contexts and Characteristics
- Journal of Marketing Management, “Poverty in Consumer Culture: Towards a Transformative Social Representation.”
- Consumption, Markets & Culture, “Consumption and Gender Identity in Popular Media: Discourses of Domesticity, Sexuality, and Authenticity.”
-
Advertising & Society Review, “It’s Gotta Be the Shoes: Nike, Mike and Mars and the ‘Sneaker Killings’.”
Previous Experience
- University of Illinois, Department of Advertising
- Loyola University in Chicago
- Market Developer for the Health Sciences Group of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA)
- Consultant for the City of Chicago Initiative, a Marketing Analyst for eVidient/GE Americom, a Recruitment Advertising Representative at TMP Worldwide, a Research Assistant at Public Opinion Strategies
- Prevention Specialist for the Rape Crisis Center of Chatham County, Georgia.
- University of Illinois, Department of Advertising
- Loyola University in Chicago
- Market Developer for the Health Sciences Group of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA)
- Consultant for the City of Chicago Initiative, a Marketing Analyst for eVidient/GE Americom, a Recruitment Advertising Representative at TMP Worldwide, a Research Assistant at Public Opinion Strategies
- Prevention Specialist for the Rape Crisis Center of Chatham County, Georgia.
Honors & Awards
- Distinguished Visiting Scholar, School of Management (Marketing Group), Royal Holloway, University of London.
- Dean’s Research Grant Award, The Bob Schieffer College of Communication, TCU
- Coleman Fellow, Entrepreneurship
- Sheth Initiative on Vulnerable Consumers Research Grant
- Best Paper Award (Honorable Mention), Consumption, Markets & Culture
- Top Paper Award, Southwest Education Council for Journalism & Mass Communication Symposium
- Top Six Paper Award, Southwest Education Council for Journalism & Mass Communication Symposium
- American Association of University Women Dissertation Completion Fellowship
- James Webb Young Fund
- Verdell Frazier Award for Women
- Dean’s Research & Creativity Award, TCU.
- Distinguished Visiting Scholar, School of Management (Marketing Group), Royal Holloway, University of London.
- Dean’s Research Grant Award, The Bob Schieffer College of Communication, TCU
- Coleman Fellow, Entrepreneurship
- Sheth Initiative on Vulnerable Consumers Research Grant
- Best Paper Award (Honorable Mention), Consumption, Markets & Culture
- Top Paper Award, Southwest Education Council for Journalism & Mass Communication Symposium
- Top Six Paper Award, Southwest Education Council for Journalism & Mass Communication Symposium
- American Association of University Women Dissertation Completion Fellowship
- James Webb Young Fund
- Verdell Frazier Award for Women
Professional Affiliations and Associations
- Association for Consumer Research
- Consumer Culture Theory Consortium
- Macromarketing Society
- American Advertising Association
- Association for Consumer Research
- Consumer Culture Theory Consortium
- Macromarketing Society
- American Advertising Association
Ashley E. English
Contributions and community engagement strategies of faith-based organizations
Ashley E. English
Associate Professor
Selected Academic Publications and Presentations
- English, A.E. (2019). Megachurches and Economic Development: Pastoral Interpretations of Internal and External Expectations on Church Behavior. The Journal of Faith, Education, and Community, 3(1), Article 5.
- English, A.E. & Dicke, L.A. (2020). Megachurch involvement at the local level: Examining conditions for church action in economic development. Nonprofit Management & Leadership, 30(3), 399-421.
- English, A.E. & Lambiase, J. (forthcoming in fall of 2025) – Using trauma-informed outreach with Black stakeholders for listening research after the killing of Atatiana Jefferson. In B. Smith & S. Smith (Eds.), Methods for the marginalized: Reaching and researching vulnerable populations. Arthur Page Center.
- English, A.E., Lambiase, J, & O’Neil, J. (2022). Using Organizational Listening to Build Trust with Black Residents and Disrupt Racism in Local Government. In K. Place (Eds.), Organizational listening: Building theory and practice for strategic communication. Routledge.
- Golan, G., Morehouse, J., & English, A. E. (2021). Building relationships with the faithful: Examining church communicators perceptions of social media influencers in their OPR strategy. Journal of Public Relations Research, 33(4), 250-266. https://doi.org/10.1080/1062726X.2021.2011729
- Kwon, E., English, A.E., Bright, L.F. (2020). Social media never sleeps: Antecedents and consequences of social media fatigue among professional content creators. The Journal of Social Media in Society, 9(2), 150-172.
- Lambiase, J. & English, A.E. (2020). Passing the test: Lessons from a school district’s discourse of renewal before, during, and after Hurricane Harvey. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 29(1), 36-46. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5973.12301
- Macias, W., & English, A.E. (2021). The vegetable divide: Americans’ knowledge of dietary guidelines and willingness to make healthy changes. Health Marketing Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1080/07359683.2021.1965815.
- O’Neil, J., English, A. E., & Lambiase, J. (2022). After the killing of Atatiana Jefferson: Black stakeholder experiences within a municipal listening structure. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly.https://doi.org/10.1177/10776990221105588.
- O’Neil, J., Lambiase, J., & English, A.E. (2023). “OK at the moment”: The important role listening plays in the relationship between Black residents and local government. Public Relations Review, 49(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2023.102382.
Community Engagement and Connections to Practice
- Co-Founder of the TCU Nonprofit Communicators Conference (link the text to this page: https://schieffercollege.tcu.edu/stratcomm/resources/for-community/non-profit-communicators-conference/)
- Co-Director of the Certified Public Communicator© Program at TCU (link the text to this page: https://schieffercollege.tcu.edu/stratcomm/resources/cpc-program/)
- Trained facilitator for the Center for Connection Culture
- Community Advocate for the Bob Schieffer College of Communication
- Chair of The Schieffer Committee for Community and Belonging
- Board Member for the Public Administration Alumni Advisory Board at the University of North Texas
- Keynote presenter/invited speaker for various conferences/meetings, including, but not limited to: the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO), City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA), Texas Volunteer Management Conference (TVMC), Texas School Public Relations Association, Greater Fort Worth Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, Tarrant County Directors of Volunteers in Agencies (DOVIA), Leadership Garland’s Community Fellowship Breakfast, Concord Church, and Jurarium Organization for Youth Excellence
- Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Honors & Awards
- 2024 Outstanding Journal Award, Honorable Mention, National Communication Association – Public Relations Division.
- 2022 Winner of the TCU Deans’ Award for Teaching
- 2022 Winner of the Bob Schieffer College of Communication’s Dean’s Teaching Award
- 2019 Kopenhaver Center Fellow, Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication, Florida International University
- 2016 Best Poster Award for the 45th annual ARNOVA Conference in Washington, D.C. Research topic: Megachurches and Practices of Managing Accountability on Websites
- 2014 Doctoral Fellows Seminar Award Recipient from the Association for Research on Nonprofit and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA)
- 2013 Diversity Scholars and Leaders award from ARNOVA
- 2010 40 Under 40 leader for community involvement and service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area through the Dallas Furniture Bank
Professional Affiliations and Associations
Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action
Guy Golan
Social media; social media influencers; influencer relations; public relations
Guy Golan
Associate Professor
Selected Academic Publications and Presentations
- Lee, J., Walter, N., Hayes, J. L., & Golan, G. J. (2024). Do Influencers Influence? A Meta-Analytic Comparison of Celebrities and Social Media Influencers Effects.Social Media+ Society, 10(3),
- Smith, B. G., Golan, G., & Freberg, K. (2023). Influencer relations: Establishing the concept and process for public relations. Public Relations Review, 49(2),
- Himelboim, I., & Golan, G. J. (2023). A social network approach to social media influencers on Instagram: The strength of being a nano-influencer in cause communities. Journal of Interactive Advertising, 23(1), 1-13.
- Golan, G., Morehouse, J., & English, A. E. (2021). Building relationships with the faithful: examining church communicators perceptions of social media influencers in their OPR strategy.Journal of Public Relations Research, 33(4), 250-266.
- Hayes, J. L., Golan, G., Britt, B., & Applequist, J. (2020). How advertising relevance and consumer–Brand relationship strength limit disclosure effects of native ads on Twitter. International Journal of Advertising, 39(1), 131-165.
Previous Experience
Associate Professor, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University
Professional Affiliations and Associations
- International Communication Association (ICA)
- Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)
- Broadcast Educators Association (BEA)
Nah Ray Han
Anthropomorphism in advertising/marketing; consumer behavior, consumer psychology
Nah Ray Han
Assistant Professor
Selected Academic Publications and Presentations
- Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services
- International Marketing Review
- Journal of Advertising Education
- Korean Journal of Communication
- American Academy of Advertising conference
- Association for Educators in Journalism and Mass Communication conference
Previous Experience
- Assistant Professor of Communication, Georgia College and State University
- Account Executive at Oricom, Seoul, Korea
Honors and Awards
- Women’s Leadership Faculty Fellows Program at GCSU
- Advertising Education Foundation’s Visiting Future Professor Program
- American Academy of Advertising Dissertation Competition Award
- The Broun Student Development Funding, The University of Georgia
Affiliations and Associations
- American Academy of Advertising (AAA)
- Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)
Jong-Hyuok Jung
Advertising effectiveness in the new media environment; mobile advertising/marketing; digital advertising/marketing; consumer behavior
Jong-Hyuok Jung
Associate Professor
Selected Academic Publications and Presentations
- International Journal of Advertising
- Journal of Business Research
- International Journal of Consumer Marketing
- International Journal of Mobile Marketing
- Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
- American Academy of Advertising
- International Communication Association
Previous Experience
- Assistant professor of advertising at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
- Visiting professor at Saatchi and Saatchi, New York City.
- Broadcast producer at LG (currently GS) Home Shopping, Seoul, Korea.
- Web Designer at Seocho-District office, Seoul,Korea
- Strategic Planner at CJ CGV, Seoul, Korea.
- Military Service (Translator & Supply Seargeant) 304th Signal Battalion, Eighth United States Army, Wonju, Korea.
Honors & Awards
- Advertising Education Foundation’s Visiting Professor Fellowship
- Profession Development Award, The University of Texas at Austin
- Gwyn David Media Endowment Scholarship, The University of Texas at Austin
- The Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, Department of Army
Professional Affiliations and Associations
- American Academy of Advertising (AAA)
- Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)
- Global Alliance of Marketing and Management Association (GAMMA)
Eunseon (Penny) Kwon
Marketing and persuasive communications in digital and social media environments; consumer psychology; branding; media psychology
Eunseon (Penny) Kwon
Associate Professor
Selected Academic Publications and Presentations
- Journal of Advertising
- International Journal of Mobile Marketing
- Association for Educators in Journalism and Mass Communication conference
- American Marketing Association conference
- American Academy of Advertising
Previous Experience
- Worked in Television industry in South Korea as content business manager.
- Sold TV shows abroad.
- Purchased award shows and TV shows from Japan, U.S. and U.K.
Professional Affiliations and Associations
- Member of Association of Consumer Research
- Member of American Academy of Advertising
- Member of Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communication
- Member of American Marketing Association
Yoon (Seo Yoon) Lee
Emerging media technologies; strategic communication (consumer, health and environment issues); dark online communication (online trolling, uncivil comment, mis/disinformation)
Yoon (Seo Yoon) Lee
Assistant Professor
Selected Academic Publications and Presentations
- Lee, S. Y., Lee, H., & Park, S. (2024). The Roles of Media Platforms, Political Orientation and Climate Change Belief in Pro-Environmental Behaviors: Cross-Cutting Versus Like-Minded Exposure in the United States and South Korea. International Journal of Public Opinion Research, 36(4), edae050.
- Lee, S. Y., & Seo, Y. (2023). Does Tone of Comments Matter?: Exploring the Role of Uncivil Comments and Political Orientation on Weakening Belief in Fake News and Eliciting Anger. Communication Studies, 74(6), 515-531.
- Lee, S.Y., Kim, S.J., Lee, H. & Chock, T.M. (2023). Why People Became Hostile during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Roles of Social Media Information Exposure and Blame Attribution. Mass Communication and Society, 26 (4). 619-645.
- Ham, C.D., Chung, U.C., Kim, W.J., Lee, S.Y., & Oh, S.H. (2022). Greener than Others? Exploring Generational Differences in Green Purchase Intent. International Journal of Market Research. 64 (3). 376-396.
- Lee, S.Y., Yao, M. Z., & Su, L.Y.F. (2021). Expressing Unpopular Opinion or Trolling: Can Dark Personalities Differentiate Them?. Telematics and Informatics. 63, 101645.
Previous Experience
University of Houston, Assistant Professor at the Department of Information Science Technology
Affiliations and Associations
- Member, International Communication Association
- Member, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Weizi Liu
Human-machine communication, human-computer interaction, digital marketing/advertising, emerging media and social impacts
Weizi Liu
Assistant Professor
Selected Academic Publications and Presentations
- Liu, W., & Wang, Y. (2024). Evaluating Trust in Recommender Systems: A User Study on the Impacts of Explanations, Agency Attribution, and Product Types. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2024.2313921
- Wang, Y. (Mia), Liu, W., & Yao, M. (2024). Which recommendation system do you trust the most? Exploring the impact of perceived anthropomorphism on recommendation system trust, choice confidence, and information disclosure. New Media & Society, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448231223517
- Liu, W. & Yao, M. Z. (2023). Gender identity and influence in human-machine communication: A mixed-methods exploration. Computers in Human Behavior, 144, 107750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2023.107750
- Liu, W., Xu, K., & Yao, M. Z. (2023). “Can you tell me about yourself?” The impacts of chatbot names and communication contexts on users’ willingness to self-disclose information in human-machine conversations. Communication Research Reports, 40(3), 122–133. https://doi.org/10.1080/08824096.2023.2212899
- Liu, W. & Yao, M. Z. (2023). Human-machine communication in marketing and advertising. In Guzman, A. L., McEwen, R., & Jones, S. (Eds.). The SAGE Handbook of Human–Machine Communication. SAGE Publications Limited.
Previous Experience
- Publicis Media
- Smart Design LLC
Honors and Awards
Top Student Paper Award (2022) International Communication Association Conference Human-Machine Communication Interest Group
Professional Affiliations and Associations
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
- International Communication Association (ICA)
- National Communication Association (NCA)
- Association for Consumer Research (ACR)
- Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)
Sarah Maben
Organizational listening, stakeholder communication, social media, ethics, public relations
Sarah Maben
Assistant Professor
Selected Academic Publications and Presentations
Maben, S. K., & Horton, C. C. (2024). Local Governments Leverage Selfie Culture with #CityHallSelfie Campaign. Journal of Public Interest Communications, 8(1), 26-57. https://journals.flvc.org/jpic/
Maben, S. K., & Helvie-Mason, L., Endres-Parnell, P., Southern States Communication Association Conference 2024, “Calming and Informing during “Another Shift”: The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Initial Coverage of the Advent of ChatGPT,” SSCA, Frisco, TX. (April 6, 2024).
Maben, S. K., & Gearhart, C. (2023). Incorporating competent interpersonal listening practices in public relations and social media. In Katie Place (Ed.), Organizational Listening for Strategic Communication, Routledge.
Maben, S. K. (2022). Intentional Analytics: Social Media Measurement Strategies for Student Media. Teaching Journalism & Mass Communication, 12(2), 72-76. https://aejmc.us/spig/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/12/TMJC-12.2-Maben.pdf
Gearhart, C., & Maben, S. K. (2022). Hello, Are You Listening?! Stakeholder Expectations of Listening in Organizational Social Media. Southwestern Mass Communication Journal, 38(1). https://swecjmc-ojs-txstate.tdl.org/swecjmc/article/view/112
Maben, S. K. (2020). Sofia the First: Disney Princess Brand Expands, Woos Preschoolers with a Princess of their Own. In Shearon Roberts (Ed.), Recasting the Disney Princess: The Coming of Age of the Empowered Children’s Heroine in the Wake of Social Movements.
Maben, S. K., Benedict, L. P., Holley, T. M., & Goen, K. A. (2019). More than Tweed Jackets and Beards: An Analysis of the Hashtag Campaign #ILookLikeAProfessor. Journal of Public Interest Communications, 3(2), 74-92. https://journals.flvc.org/jpic/article/view/110467
Maben, S., Endres-Parnell, P., & Helvie-Mason, L. (2019). Re(claiming) and Re(naming) #MyDallasIs: An Analysis of Citizen Framing of Dallas after the 2016 Ambush. Southwestern Mass Communication Journal, 35(1). https://journals.tdl.org/swecjmc/index.php/swecjmc/article/view/49
Gearhart, C., & Maben, S. K. (2019). Active and Empathic Listening in Social Media: What Do Stakeholders Really Expect. International Journal of Listening, 35(3). https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10904018.2019.1602046
Maben, S. K., & Gearhart, C. C. (2017). Organizational Social Media Accounts: Moving Toward Listening Competency. International Journal of Listening, 32(2), 101–114. https://doi.org/10.1080/10904018.2017.1330658
Maben, S. K., & Colley, K. (2017). #NotAllBaptismbyFire: The State of Social Media Training at Student-run Communication Organizations. Southwestern Communication Journal, 32(2). https://swecjmc-ojs-txstate.tdl.org/swecjmc/article/view/28
Previous Experience
- Associate Professor at Tarleton State University
- Public relations practitioner for nonprofits and associations.
- Founding editor of The Journal of Social Media in Society, 2012-2024
Honors and Awards
- Southern States Communication Association, Top Papers, 2024
- College of Liberal and Fine Arts Faculty Excellence in Scholarship Award at Tarleton State, 2021
- Southwest Education Council for Journalism and Mass Communication SWECJMC Service Award, 2019; Top Papers, 2012, 2013, 2016
- National Communication Association, Top Paper, 2015
Professional Affiliations and Associations
- Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), Certification in Effective Teaching Practices
- Association of Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
- National Communication Association
- Public Relations Society of America member and APR (Accredited in PR)
- Southwest Education Council for Journalism and Mass Communication, past president, board member
Wendy Macias
Advertising; health Communication; pharmaceutical advertising
Wendy Macias
Professor and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Selected Academic Publications and Presentations
- Journal of Advertising
- Journal of Health Communication
- Health Communication
- Journal of Current Issues and Research in Advertising
- Health Marketing Quarterly
- Pharmaceutical Medicine
- International Journal of Advertising
- Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication
Previous Experience
- Sales promotion, market research and marketing.
- Associate professor of advertising at the University of Georgia.
Julie O’Neil
Public relations; internal communication; corporate social responsibility; measuring and evaluating communication programs and public relationships
Julie O’Neil
Professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Administration
Selected Academic Publications and Presentations
- Men, R.L., O’Neil, J. & Ewing, M. (2020, August). “From the employee perspective: Organizations’ administration of internal social media and the relationship between social media engagement and relationship cultivation,” International Journal of Business Communication, 1-28. doi: 10.1177/2329488420949968
- Men, R.L., O’Neil, J. & Ewing, M. (2020, January). “Examining the effects of internal social media usage on employee engagement,” Public Relations Review, 46(2), 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pubrev.2020.101880.
- Ewing, M., Men, R. L. & O’Neil, J. (2019, February). Using social media to engage employees: Insights from internal communication managers. The International Journal of Strategic Communication, 13(2), 110-132. doi: 10.1080/1553118X.2019.1575830
- O’Neil, J., Eisenmann, M., & Holman, M. (2019). A mixed methods examination of how people assess the credibility of sources used by public relations practitioners. The Journal of Promotion Management, 25, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/10496491.2018.1536619
- O’Neil, J., Ewing, M., Smith, S. & Williams, S. (2018). A delphi study to identify standards for internal communication. Public Relations Journal, 11(3), 1-16.
- O’Neil, J. & Eisenmann, M. (2017). “An Examination of How Source Classification Impacts Credibility and Consumer Behavior,” Public Relations Review, 43(2), 278-292.
- O’Neil, J. & Lambiase, J. (2016). “Considering Certification?: An Analysis of Universities’ Communication Certificates and Feedback from Public Relations,” Journal of Public Relations Education, 2(1), 34-46.
- Eisenmann, M., O’Neil, J., & Geddes, D. (2015). An examination of the validity, reliability, and best practices related to the standards for traditional media. Research Journal of the Institute for Public Relations, 2(1), 1-28. IPR Signature Study.
Previous Experience
- Public relations and marketing in multiple settings: agency, corporate, and nonprofit.
- Teaching and researching public relations for more than 20 years.
- Former Division Chair and Director of Graduate Studies in the Strategic Communication Department at TCU.
Honors & Awards
- Bob Schieffer College of Communication Faculty Research Nominee, 2020
- Public Relations Society of America Employee Communication Award, International Public Relations Research Conference (IPRRC), 2019 & 2018
- Jackson Sharpe Award for best co-authored research paper by a public relations academic and professional, IPRRC, 2016, 2014, & 2008
- Institute for Public Relations Top Three Paper Award, IPRRC, 2017 & 2007
- Bob Schieffer College of Communication Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Teacher-Scholar, 2016 & 2014
Professional Affiliations and Associations
- Arthur Page Society member
- Senior Associate Editor, Public Relations Journal
- Measurement Commission of the Institute for Public Relations
- Commission on Public Relations Education Commission Board Member
- International Public Relations Research Advisory Committee
- Journal of Public Relations Education Editorial Board
- Public Relations Society of America member
- Association of Education in Journalism and Mass Communication member