Why did you choose this field?
I marketed and managed shopping malls for 20 years before entering academia full-time and earning my Ph.D. My first mall was Carnation Mall in Alliance (sadly, it is now a Meijer store). I am very passionate about sharing my experiences and knowledge with students so they can become ethical and strategical practitioners in public relations, advertising, marketing, and management. My favorite part of my job is building relationships with students and watching them grow throughout the semester in the course. It is always so gratifying!
What research have you implemented in your teaching?
My research is focused on ethical relationship building since public relations is all about developing relationships with every stakeholder group that an organization has. It is not about selling products but rather, developing genuine relationships so that the organization can be successful in all its business endeavors.
Why is Mount Union unique?
Our public relations program, which a few years ago was ranked eighth in the nation, focuses on relationship building. Students learn ethical strategies and frameworks to do just that, and then they incorporate tactics (such as social media messaging and event planning) to implement those strategies. Most other college public relations programs place the emphasis on tactics and marketing rather than actual relationship building. There are so many wonderful services/resources available to all Mount Union students that not only assist them with their studies, but also support their health and well-being throughout the collegiate experience.