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 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
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
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
Chairperson, Department of Mass Communications June 2017-Present
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
Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communications February 2018-Present
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
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
February 2018-Present- 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
Teach all public relations courses, advise students, manage faculty, plan and lead departmental meetings and activities, participate in university activities, serve on university committees, active involvement in grant writing and research projects, participate in student recruiting activities, work with dean to carry out university policies/goals and the School of Arts and Sciences goals, participate 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
· Increased retention rate for Department of Mass Communications
· Increased the number of graduates from Mass Communications program
· Designed logo and webpage for branding purposes
· Designed and created department marketing materials such as brochures and flyers
· Implemented a department newsletter titled “ON THE EDGE”
· Implemented a department internship program
· Increased the number of internship placement for students in the areas of Public Relations, Marketing, Radio, Television
· Obtained over $3,000 in sponsorships for department
· Won an Earth Grant awarded by Keep Virginia Beautiful
· Implemented the first fundraising campaign for department to included a shoe-rally and fish fry
· Brought in an estimate of $10,000 for department as Chairperson
· Created an Instagram, Youtube, Twitter and Facebook page to secure more visibility for program
· Placed ENG 453 –Rhetorical Criticism back into the program to give students more strategic writing courses
· Upgraded Communications Lab by turning it into a Smartroom by installing advanced technological equipment
· Upgraded department cameras and other TV studio equipment
· Planned the first Mass Communications Event ever at Virginia Union to include: “Konnections Kick Off- Pizza Social,” “Explore RVA Media Tour,” “Mass Comm Spirit Day,” “Host Chapel,” “Step Into Your Future Career Expo.”
· Established a Matriculation Agreement between John Tyler Community College and Virginia Union University
· Graduated the first group of students from Virginia Union University with a concentration in Public Relations
· Assisted in upgrading TV Studio equipment and radio studio equipment at a total of $25,000
· Planned various programs/events for the department to increase student morale and retention
· 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
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
January 2011- October 2013 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-Present Public Relations Director
Refuge Fundamental Church
. Develop and maintain content for website including online features, biographies, news updates, blog, audio, video, visuals etc.
Work with graphics and web designer to develop and create promotional and marketing materials for the company
Create and implement community outreach programs and events
RESULTS and Successes
Worked with a designer to create and develop a website for the church
May 2004-October 2008 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 is 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
"Finding Your Way," The University College in collaboration with Academic Schools, October 2018
SCHOLARLY PUBLICATIONS
Edward Waters College’s HBCU JOURNAL ON RESEARCH INITIATIVES, Volume 1 Issue 1, “New Media Negative Effects on Millennials and Generation Z”
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
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
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
· Fine Arts Chair Hiring Committee, Chair
· Mass Communications Chair Hiring Committee
· Faculty-Student Relations Committee
· Mass Communications Week Committee, Chair
· School of Humanities and Social Sciences Cross-disciplinary Committee
· School of Humanities and Social Sciences Policy Manual Committee
· School of Humanities and Social Sciences Publication “UnionWorks”
· Faculty Senator for 2016-2017 & 2017-2018 academic years
· University Life Committee- 2016-2017 & 2017-2018
· Interdisciplinary Committee
· Planned and hosted DJ Sir RJ (iheartrichmond) on campus
· Served as Moderator of VUU Mass COMM meet & greet event with Young Alumni
· Assisted Ms. Aloni Hill with NABJ activities
· Planned a resume’ workshop for all Virginia Union University students
· Planned a symposium event with Kym Grinnage (General Manager at WWBT 12)
· Planned a LinkedIn Coaching sessions for all VUU students with YBConnects
· Planned an End of the Year Mixer for all Mass Communications students
· Assisted with the media at the “Humanities and Beyond” Undergraduate Conference hosted by the Languages and Literature
· Assisted with getting students to participate in Discovery Day and Research Week hosted by the Center for Undergraduate Research
· Faculty Senator for 2016-2017 and 2017-2018
· Represented the faculty senate at University Council meeting on 4/24/2018
· University Life Committee 2017-2018
· School of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Review Committee 2017-2018, 2018-2019
· School of Arts and Sciences 5 Year Academic Plan Committee 2017-2018, 2018-2019
· Faculty Handbook Committee 2017-2018- A Faculty Senate Committee – Met twice a week-11/2/17, 11/6/17, 11/8/17, 11/13/17
· Academic Standards Committee 2017-2018-12/14/2018, 2/12/2018, 4/19/2018
· University Planning Committee-2017-2018, 2018-2019;Presented University Planning Committee Report at University Council Meeting on 2/20/18 and 4/24/2018
· School of Arts and Sciences Advisory Council Planning Committee
· Administrator for the University Council
· Senate Grievance Committee
Other 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
· Wrote an academic program review on behalf of Mass Communications Department-30 pages stating the needs of the department
· Transformed Communications Lab into a SmartLab by overseeing the installation of smart equipment
· Assisted with Judging Awards for the New York Chapter of PRSA on behalf of PRSA Richmond
· Served as panelist for the Bonnie Newman Davis Institute of Media & Culture titled The Epic Tales of Digital Dating
· Served as a judge for Virginia Commonwealth University PR students at their annual PRSSA student mixer
· Attended VUU Center for Undergraduate Research Workshops
· Participated in VUU CUR Panther Pipelines Discovery Day
· Participated in the Promotion/Tenure Workshop
· Participated in a Public Relations workshop at Padilla Hosted by PRSA Richmond
· Participated in a PRSA Richmond Bootcamp to prepare for Accreditation in Public Relations
· Presented a portfolio presentation for accreditation in public relations
· Participated in the following PRSA Richmond monthly luncheons:
1. October-“Flint Water Crisis’-2 students attended with me and 1 students was presented with a scholarship award
2. November- “Video Strategy”
3. June- “Q & A with Clay Risen, NYT senior staff editor”
4. January-“Digital Influencer Marketing”
5. February- “Diversity and Inclusion in 2017”
6. March- “Using the Power of Big Data to Anticipate the Next Crisis and Take Proactive Action”
· Participated in “Women in Advertising, PR & Marketing” challenges women face in work environment- 2 students came with me
· Administrator and designer for Department of Mass Communications webpage
· Participated in all grant series hosted by VUU Sponsored Programs Office
· Awarded a $400 scholarship from PRSA Richmond to attend a Bootcamp for accreditation
· Featured as the April member spotlight for PRSA Richmond
· Participated as a judge for student resume’ presentations at Virginia Commonwealth University
· Enrollment increase and retention rates for last 3 years- 2014, 2015, 2016
· I was able to increase visibility of the PR 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
· Planned and hosted a 2018 Mass Communications Week with established partners
· I continue to bring visibility to our re-established VUUABJ chapter by partnering & participating in university organization fair, partnering with other student organizations and hosting several activities to include speaker sessions, dorm room competitions, study hall night, volunteering for the breast cancer walk
· I have written several proposals to upgrade TV studio equipment, create an online radio station
· I have worked to secure internship placements for several Mass Communications students
· Recorded and advised weekly department broadcasts, wrote scripts for broadcasts
· Received Virginia Union University Service Award for 5 years at Virginia Union University
· Wrote prospectus for a Master of Arts in Communication Studies graduate program at Virginia Union University
· Launched a Student-Led Public Relations Agency on the campus of Virginia Union University (Panther Communications)
· Chartered a Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Chapter on the campus of Virginia Union University
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Public Relations Society of America, National Chapter
Public Relations Society of America, Richmond Chapter
National Association of Black Journalists
Richmond Association of Black Journalists
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
GRANTS
The Scripps Howard Foundation Journalism Grant-$3,000
Middle Tennessee State University First Amendment Grant-$2,000
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)
“Digital Engagement and How PR/Politics and Social Activism Crosses Paths”-(A white house story on how a chapter member was selected to attend a twitter town hall meeting at the White House)
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
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 9-13, 2017
HONORS AND AWARDS
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 Member Spotlight for PRSA Richmond