Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
2008 Master of Science: Strategic Public Relations
Virginia Commonwealth University
Concentration: Public Relations Strategy
2004 Bachelor of Arts: Journalism/ Mass Communications
Virginia Union University
Concentration: Print Journalism and Broadcast Journalism
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Public Relations/Communications Research, Writing (Journalism and Public Relations), Marketing, Brand Strategy, Creative Direction, Media Relations, Social Media, New/Digital Media, Broadcast Journalism, Crisis Communications, Media Production, Public Relations Campaigns, Public Relations, Event Planning, Education
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Adjunct Professor, Department of Arts & Communications
2022
Newberry College, Newberry, South Carolina
Teach: COM 214-Intro to Public Relations
Adjunct Professor, The Robertson School of Media & Culture
January 2021-May 2021
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA
· Inspired students while teaching concepts, skills and best practices regarding contemporary public relations, dependent on the specific class
· Met all designated course instruction guidelines
· Graded assignments and exams in a timely manner
· Responded to student inquiries within 24 hours
· Submitted final grades according to College/School policy
Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communications
February 2018-November 2021
Virginia Union University, Richmond VA
Taught Courses: MCM 300- Research in Public Relations
MCM 206- Social Media
MCM 302- Public Relations Writing and Production
MCM 324- Media and Crisis Communications
MCM 415- Mass Communications Internship
MCM 416- Public Relations Campaigns
MCM 328- Event Planning
MCM 200- Foundations of Mass Communications
MCM 307- Media Ethics
MCM 400- Senior Portfolio
Chairperson, Department of Mass Communications
June 2017-November 2021
Virginia Union University, Richmond VA
· Provided leadership in all areas of the administration of the academic department
· Provided supervision and evaluation of faculty and adjunct professors, ensuring academic procedures such as course management, course preparation, grade entry, student attendance, student grade appeals, student conflict etc. were effectively followed, documented and recorded.
· Ensured that new faculty were oriented to the mission, strategic initiatives, and goals of the University such that new faculty teaching, service, and scholarship was infused with the University's mission and the division's objectives
· Oriented part-time/adjunct faculty to assure that they complemented the role of the regular, full-time faculty
· Recommended faculty teaching and advised assignments
· Coordinated the involvement of faculty in their regular advisement responsibilities and insured an effective and ongoing student advisement program in the department
· Developed and evaluated curricular programs and plans, implemented the department's undergraduate and graduate programs
· Implemented strategies such as retention modules, EMSA collaboration to enhance recruitment and retention of students within the department
· Managed the formulation of department self-studies and coordinated program reviews and engaged in all facets of development, research and analysis of student learning and programmatic outcomes
· Formulated devising and/or revising departmental curriculum maps, annual course offerings, schedules (Fall, Spring, Summer), catalog department descriptions, and catalog course descriptions.
· Managed department's fiscal resources and developed departmental budget allocating resources
· Encouraged faculty to engage in scholarly and creative research and pursue excellence in teaching while demonstrating instructional excellence and engaging in scholarly research to advance the department, school and university strategic objectives.
Interim Chairperson, Department of Mass Communications
November 2014-June 2017
Virginia Union University, Richmond VA
Courses Taught: MCM 300- Research in Public Relations
MCM 206- Social Media
MCM 302- Public Relations Writing and Production
MCM 324- Media and Crisis Communications
MCM 415- Mass Communications Internship
MCM 416- Public Relations Campaigns
MCM 328- Event Planning
MCM 200- Foundations of Mass Communications
Instructor
August 2014-February 2018
Virginia Union University, Richmond VA
Courses Taught: MCM 300- Research in Public Relations
MCM 206-Social Media
MCM 212- Principles of Public Relations
MCM 302- Public Relations Writing and Production
MCM 324- Media and Crisis Communications
MCM 415- Mass Communications Internship
MCM 416- Public Relations Campaigns
MCM 328- Event Planning
Adjunct Professor
August 2012-May 2014
Virginia Union University, Richmond VA
Courses Taught: MCM 245: Broadcast Newswriting
MCM 206: Social Media
MCM 212: Principles of Public Relations
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
February 2018-November 2021- Assistant Professor and Chairperson, Department of Mass Communications, Virginia Union University, Richmond VA
June 2017—February 2018-Instructor and Chairperson, Department of Mass Communications - Virginia Union University, Richmond VA
November 2014-June 2017 Interim Chairperson and Instructor, Department of Mass Communications - Virginia Union University, Richmond VA
Taught all public relations courses, advised students, managed faculty, planned and led departmental meetings and activities, participated in university activities and served on university committees, active involvement in grant writing and research projects, participated in student recruiting activities, worked with dean to carry out university policies/goals and the School of Arts and Sciences goals, participated in chair meetings along with meetings for the University Council.
RESULTS and Successes
· Positioned the Department of Mass Communications to be listed as one of the Top 5 majors students pursue at Virginia Union University
· Established active partnerships with the Richmond Association of Black Journalists and Public Relations Society of America, Richmond Chapter
· Increased enrollment rate for Department of Mass Communications by 20%
· Increased retention rate for Department of Mass Communications by 15%
· Increased the number of graduates from Mass Communications program by 10%
· Branded department by designing logo, webpage and marketing materials such as brochures and flyers
· Implemented a department internship program which increased the number of internship placements for students in the areas of public relations, marketing, radio and television
· Obtained over $3,000 in sponsorships for department
· Brought in an estimate of $10,000 in fundraising for department as chairperson
· Secured visibility of program through content marketing via social platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook
· Planned the first Mass Communications Week in the history of Virginia Union University and hosted for five years
· Graduated the first group of students from Virginia Union University with a concentration in Public Relations (2016)
· Assisted in upgrading TV Studio equipment and radio studio equipment at a total of $85,000
· Planned various programs/events for the department to increase morale and retention of students and faculty
· Secured partnerships with alumni and various media/public relations companies to provide more mentorship, internship and professional development opportunities for students
· Reestablished the Virginia Union University Association of Black Journalists chapter on campus
· Created course titled, “Minorities and Mass Media,” that explored how different minority groups are portrayed in the media and why diversity is needed in communications
· Created and launched the first student-led public relations agency at Virginia Union University titled, “Panther Communications.”
· Chartered a Public Relations Student Society of America chapter on the campus of Virginia Union University (2019)
· Developed the first graduate program in Communications at Virginia Union University---Master of Arts in Communication Studies—Received Board Approval (2019)
August 2012- August 2014 Adjunct Professor of Mass Communications
Virginia Union University, Richmond VA
Taught following courses: MCM 245: Broadcast Newswriting, MCM 206: Social Media, MCM 212: Principles of Public Relations
Created and developed a Public Relations Sequence for the Department of Mass Communications-The PR sequence was developed in 2012, approved and implemented in 2014 and the first set of students graduated with a concentration in Public Relations in 2016. The new sequence brought an array of new courses and opportunities to Virginia Union University to include a very popular social media course
August 2012- August 2013 Membership and Networking Coordinator
International Council on Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Education
Marketed, developed, implemented and managed quality marketing, advertising, and recruitment campaigns for membership development, retention and mentoring programs
Planned and implemented annual ICHRIE conference in St. Louis
Wrote copy for all membership and conference marketing materials including printed brochures, invoice letters, post cards, online brochures, conference program books, membership renewal letters, pitch letters, etc. Lead conference calls in regard to the planning of our yearly conference event, conference committee members, ICHRIE staff, CEO and Board Members participated in conference planning calls
Created and maintained all company social networks (Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook)
RESULTS and Successes
Increased membership rate among young professionals by 75%
Increased social media presence and followers by 500 followers
2011-2012 Vice-President of Professional Development
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA Tar Heel Chapter)
Coordinated professional development opportunities through monthly chapter meetings, seminars, teleseminars and other outlets for chapter members
Oversaw the roles of accreditation chair, chapter programming chair, diversity chair, invitation coordinator and professional development chair
Planned and developed a professional development seminar where members were able to take beneficial information back to the office
RESULTS and Successes
Planned 2012 Professional Development Seminar titled “Connecting to Success through Public Relations”
October 2008-October 2013 Public Relations Director
Refuge Fundamental Church
Developed and maintained content for website including online features, biographies, news updates, blog, audio, video, visuals etc.
Worked with graphics and web designer to develop and create promotional and marketing materials for the company
Created and implemented community outreach programs and events
RESULTS and Successes
Successful outreach programs and launching of the “Women of the Word” ministry
Increase in church members by 30%
May 2004-October 2006 Assignment Manager and Producer
Wric 8 News
Assigned news crews to breaking news stories, monitored station scanners for breaking news, wrote content for station webpage, wrote news stories for newscast, managed photographers, directors, reporters and anchors, timed and managed newscasts
INVITED SCHOLARLY PRESENTATIONS
“Diversity & Inclusion in Public Relations (African Americans impact on Corporate America),” Wells Fargo Black African American Team Member Network, February 2018
“Career Day in Public Relations,” Girl Scouts of Virginia, November 2013
“Public Relations and Consulting,” Virginia Union University, Intro to Public Relations, April 2012
“Don’t Get Caught in the Snow,” Public Relations Campaign-Transition from Analog to Digital Television, National Association of Broadcasters, DC, March 2008
“Outreach and Marketing of a Ministry,” Refuge Fundamental Church-Women of the Word Ministry and Leadership Meet and Greet, July 2012
“Blogging” presented to Dr. Felecia William’s History Students-Dr. Williams was Associate Professor, Political Science and Public Administration/Department of History and Political Science-Virginia Union University
“Dating in the Digital Age,” The Bonnie Newman Davis Institute of Media & Culture
“Negative Effects of New Media on Millennials,” Panther Pipelines Discovery Day 2016/ The Virginia Union University Center for Undergraduate Research
“Preparing and Teaching Soft Skills to Underrepresented and First-Generation Students,” The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (AEJMC)—Public Relations Division
SCHOLARLY PUBLICATIONS
Edward Waters College’s HBCU JOURNAL ON RESEARCH INITIATIVES, Volume 1 Issue 1, “New Media Negative Effects on Millennials and Generation Z”
GRANT AWARDS
The Scripps Howard Foundation Journalism Grant--$3,000
Middle Tennessee State University First Amendment Grant--$2,000
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Public Relations Society of America, Tar Heel Chapter
· Board of Directors – Vice-President of Professional Development
Refuge Fundamental Church of Danville, Virginia
· Media Ministry/”Women of the Word” Ministry
· Director of Media
Public Relations Society of America, Richmond Chapter
· Served as a judge for the PRSA Kentucky Bluegrass chapter’s annual Landmarks of Excellence Awards
· Awards Committee
· Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
· Participated in an HBCU college fair hosted by Virginia Union University National Alumni Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
· Participated in Sautee’ & Sizzle Scholarship Fundraiser hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.
· Volunteered with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. annual HBCU College Fair 2017
· Participated in meal preparation through #HashtagLunchbagRichmond
American Cancer Society
· Participated in the Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk for American Cancer Society
Girl Scouts, Brownie Troop
· Taught local girl scout troop about communications during a tour of WTVR-CBS 6
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Eta Chapter, Virginia Union University Career Services
· Assisted with the Professional Clothing Service Project for VUU Career Services through the Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Volunteered with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Richmond Metropolitan Area Chapter at the 3rdAnnual Phenomenal Women Gala
UNIVERSITY SERVICE
Served on the following committees:
· Languages and Literature Chair Hiring Committee- 2016-2017
· Fine Arts Chair Hiring Committee, Chair -2016-2017
· Mass Communications Chair Hiring Committee, Chair -2016-present
· Faculty-Student Relations Committee-2016-2017
· Mass Communications Week Committee, Chair -2016-present
· School of Humanities and Social Sciences Cross-disciplinary Committee- 2016-2017
· School of Humanities and Social Sciences Policy Manual Committee-2016-2017
· School of Humanities and Social Sciences Publication “UnionWorks”-2016-2017
· Faculty Senator for 2016-2017 & 2017-2018 academic years
· University Life Committee- 2016-2017 & 2017-2018 academic years
· Interdisciplinary Committee- 2017-2018
· Faculty Senator for 2016-2017 & 2017-2018
· University Life Committee 2017-2018
· School of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Review Committee 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021
· School of Arts and Sciences 5 Year Academic Plan Committee 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2020-2021 academic years
· Faculty Handbook Committee 2017-2018- A Faculty Senate Committee
· Academic Standards Committee 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021
· University Planning Committee-2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-present--Presents University Planning Committee Report at University Council Meetings
· School of Arts and Sciences Advisory Council Planning Committee- 2018-2019
· Administrator for the University Council -2014-present
· Faculty Senate Grievance Committee- 2016-2017
· Faculty Evaluation Committee- 2018-2019
· School of Arts & Sciences Grants Committee-2019-present
· University Publications Editorial Board Committee- 2018-present
· University Marketing and Publicity Committee-2018-present
· School of Arts & Sciences Study Away Committee-2019-present
· School of Arts & Sciences Internship Committee -2019-present
· School of Arts & Sciences Curriculum Review Committee -2019-present
Other Activities:
· Participation in Virginia Union University Wellness Activities
· Served as Editor of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences publication titled, “UNIONWORKS”
· Served as Advisor to the Mass Communications Newsletter titled, “ON THE EDGE”
· Led a fundraising shoe-rally imitative for the Mass Communications Department raising over $5,000 as a department and bringing in $3,000.00 individually
· Planned an entire week of activities for Mass Communications students titled, “Mass Communications Week,” events planned were “Konnections Kick Off” Pizza Social, “Explore RVA” media tour, “MASSCOMM Spirit Day,” hosted chapel at Virginia Union University and “Step Into Your Future” Career Expo
· Secured over $3,000.00 in sponsorships for the Mass Communications Week
· Served as a judge for Virginia Commonwealth University PR students at their annual PRSSA student mixer
· Participated in a PRSA Richmond Bootcamp to prepare for Accreditation in Public Relations
· Presented a portfolio presentation for accreditation in public relations
· Awarded a $400 scholarship from PRSA Richmond to attend a Bootcamp for accreditation
· Featured as the April member spotlight for PRSA Richmond
· Wrote Title 3 grant for a new MAC computer for Mass Comm Department
· Wrote Title 3 grant to attend PRSA International conference in fall 2017
· Participated as a judge for student resume’ presentations at Virginia Commonwealth University
· Increased visibility of the Virginia Union University public relations track through partnerships with PRSA Richmond and Richmond Association of Black Journalists, current student visibility and testimonials, program rack card and social media
· Hosted and moderated a “WHERE ARE THEY NOW” Young Alumni Meet & Greet program for department during homecoming 2016 and 2017
· Hosted a Study Abroad program in partnership with VUU Center for International Studies
· Initiated preliminary steps to become accredited by preparing documents such as department syllabi, keeping up with our graduates and preparing to do a self-assessment of our program
· Wrote prospectus for a Master of Arts in Communication Studies graduate program at Virginia Union University
· Participated in the accreditation process for Virginia Union University, representing the mass communications department- 2016-2021
· Advised over 70 majors on the Virginia Union University mass communications curriculum
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Public Relations Society of America, National Chapter (PRSA)
Public Relations Society of America, Richmond Chapter (PRSA)
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
Richmond Association of Black Journalists (RABJ)
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Wrote Title III Mini-Grant to secure equipment for Mass Communications Department
Attended the Grant Procurement Technical Assistance Workshop Series hosted by Sponsored Programs Department at Virginia Union University
Attended Promotion and Tenure Workshop hosted by Tenure and Promotion Committee at Virginia Union University
Applied for Accreditation in Public Relations through Public Relations Society of America (National Chapter) -2016
2019 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) Public Relations Division Virtual Conference panel on “Student-Run Agency”
2019 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) Public Relations Division Virtual Conference panel on “Engaging Millennials and Generation Z Students”
Public Relations Society of America Richmond Chapter Diversity Professional Development Program
Trained in Six Sigma as a Green Belt
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)-administered by the Universal Accreditation Board
Conferences: Public Relations Society of America (Tar Heel Chapter) Professional Development Seminar, “Connecting to Success through Public Relations”
“Amp Up Your Social Media with Social Advertising” Sponsored by PRSA Richmond and The Hodges Partnership
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) National Convention and Career Fair – Aug 2017
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Regional I Conference-April 2019
HONORS AND AWARDS
PR News Diversity Awards Finalist, category- “Outstanding HBCU Educator of the Year”
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)-administered by the Universal Accreditation Board
“Profiles in PR” feature in Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Strategies and Tactics publication-Article titled, “Heidi Wilson on Teaching the Next Generation”
Research and Creative Inquiry Expo Certificate of Appreciation for reviewing undergraduate student posters-Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR) at Virginia Union University
Keep Virginia Beautiful Earth Day Grant of $750
Honorarium for developing public relations sequence for the Department of Mass Communications
Certificate of Participation for Panther Pipelines Discovery Day-VUU Center for Undergraduate Research
Certificate of Appreciation for Judging Posters at the VUU Center for Undergraduate Research/ Research Expo
Certificate of Participation at Humanities & Beyond conference hosted by The Department of Languages & Literature
Virginia Union University Service Award for 5 years of service
Awarded a $400 scholarship from Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Richmond Chapter to attend a Bootcamp for accreditation
Featured as the April 2018 Member Spotlight for PRSA Richmond
Virginia Union University Faculty/Staff Member of the Year- 2018-2019