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Search Committee University of Louisiana 700 University Ave. Monroe, LA 71209
Dear Search Committee Chair:
I am writing in response to your advertisement for the position of President at the University of Louisiana, Monroe. I am currently at Cabrini University where I serve as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Prior to this position, I was the VPAA and Dean of Faculty at Cottey College and the Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Business, and Education at Mount Mary University. I also served as the Assistant Dean in the Diederich College of Communication at Marquette University. I bring a unique set of administrative skills, which should help me fulfill the duties inherent in this position.
An effective President possesses the ability to work with different publics, including members of the board, alumni, students, faculty and staff. I understand how to work effectively with these constituents and have earned a reputation for collegiality. A desirable President is able to promote a culture of fairness and transparency. S/he fosters a climate where faculty and staff members engage in their duties unencumbered. I am ideally suited to do so given my background and interpersonal skills.
My cumulative experience in academia includes the handling of core academic tasks such as the development of new programs, management of articulation agreements, collection of data for accreditation visits, and oversight of assessment and program reviews. I successfully led the efforts to reimagine Cottey’s core curriculum, embedding threads of global awareness and social responsibility in it. I have provided leadership for student-centered programs, including clinical placements, internships, service learning, first-year experience, and study abroad; these all require the ability to multi-task, skillful supervision of staff, and an effective management of budgets. During my tenure at Cottey College, we improved our graduation rate; and while ranking is not everything, we jumped 15 spots in the US News and World Report’s ranking of Midwest Colleges, up from #22 in 2017 to #7 in 2018.
The value of career readiness and ensuring that students see a return on their investment cannot be overestimated. I have made a habit of inviting school superintendents to campus and visiting local hospitals and businesses to ascertain competencies sought by employers in order to use that knowledge to inform our academic programs and offerings.
One of my primary responsibilities as an assistant dean at Marquette University was the management of the College of Communication’s recruitment and retention efforts. During my tenure, we posted a 15% increase in enrollment, as well as the highest yield of any college at Marquette University. We also made gains in minority student recruitment and our retention numbers remained high at 89%. Student success remains at the core of every role I perform. It is my belief that persistence is not simply a product of strong academic offerings, but also results from the high impact practices available to students, as well as a commitment to a nurturing campus.
Prior to my administrative positions, I was a tenured associate professor at the University of South Carolina, Upstate. I also served as the coordinator of the Journalism/Electronic Media unit for several years. As a unit coordinator, I led the charge in forwarding many of the bold and effective
608 N Atwater Dr. Malvern, PA 19355 (864) 266-28204/2/2020
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changes we made to the unit’s curriculum. Serving as a faculty member also gave me a unique understanding of the value of promoting research activities and supporting faculty in this endeavor.
It seems safe to assume that an administrator of the 21st century must be comfortable with technology. I am conversant with academic technology and often find ways to utilize it to improve efficiency. I have facilitated faculty workshops to foster the delivery of online/hybrid courses to our adult and accelerated student populations, thus enhancing recruitment and retention. Having some background in Computer Information Technology ensures that I am data driven and understand how to use metrics to set new goals and assess programs. One of my responsibilities as an assistant dean was the management of freshman advising and I instituted new ways to use technology for advising.
The ability to strengthen partnerships, increase visibility, and fundraise is a desirable trait for someone assuming the role of President. I am a successful and community-minded fundraiser. Within months of moving to the Philadelphia area, I received the honor of a citation from the City Council of Philadelphia and was named one of the “Women of Influence” by a local magazine. I am comfortable around legislation and advocacy and work well with local County political organizations. I facilitated a partnership with Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law for a Law Scholars’ program that guaranteed scholarships to Cottey graduates accepted at Maurer School of Law. I also facilitated a partnership with the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation for a summer business boot camp while at MMU. The boot camp was meant to boost the entrepreneurial drive of girls in our community and serve as a recruitment initiative. It is my belief that institutions have a duty to serve their local communities, so I always encourage faculty to consider the larger impact of our work on our neighbors.
Considering that we live in an interconnected world, globalizing the student experience is a passion of mine. That passion served as a catalyst for an annual diversity conference/speaker series, which I initiated at USC Upstate. I am convinced that educators have to encourage students to strive for an inclusive, ethical, and global society. Over the years, I invited several exceptional speakers to the diversity conference, including senators; human rights advocates; and media executives. The goal was to expose our students to social justice and other issues of global concern. My commitment to diversity earned me a “Diversity Advocate Award” at USC Upstate, as well as the “Golden Roses” recognition for the promotion of diversity at Marquette University. I was a member of the Missouri Diversity Officers in Higher Education (MODOHE), which is part of the national association, NADOHE.
My leadership style is collaborative in nature and grounded in the belief that administrators must break down silos and lead by example. They ought to communicate effectively, while maintaining transparency and integrity at all times. It was humbling for me to see that on a performance evaluation, 100% of faculty and staff members agreed with the statement, “She acts with integrity.” Hard work and vision are hallmarks of my style, but I understand that vision must also be accompanied by action. I am excited by the possibility of securing this position and look forward to an opportunity to interview.
Sincerely,
Chioma R. Ugochukwu, Ph.D
Chioma Rita Ugochukwu, Ph.D. 1608 N. Atwater Dr.
Malvern, PA 19355
Phone: (864) 266-2820
E-mail:
Education
Ph.D. Journalism, University of Texas at Austin (2002).
Doctoral Portfolio-Women's Studies, University of Texas at Austin (2002).
Mphil Media &Communication, Completed coursework, Coventry University, England (‘94).
M.A. Mass Communications, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1992).
B.A. Dramatic Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1987).
Computer Information Systems Certificates
Computer Information Systems Technology (Networking), Wake Technical College,
Raleigh, North Carolina (1998).
BTEC in Computer Studies, Hartlepool College of Education, England (1994).
Summary of Skills
Hardworking administrator motivated by student engagement and success
Conversant with enrollment, retention, assessment, and accreditation issues
Experience in fundraising, grants writing, balancing budgets, and alumnae relations
Committed to multicultural affairs & understanding of the dynamics of difference
Earned recognition/awards for role in the promotion of diversity
Knowledge of student development theories
Adept at forming partnerships with other institutions, organizations, and communities
Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects and personalities
Collaborative administrator with an acute understanding of shared governance
Experience in the development of new academic programs and course delivery
formats i.e. online, hybrid, and accelerated programs
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Trained in new media applications, including blogs, Facebook and Twitter, as well as
audio and video editing for web platforms
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Earned certificates in Computer Information Technology and proficient in the use of
CRMs, electronic records and databases; Adobe; HTML; and software/hardware
troubleshooting
Visionary with unique ability to initiate student-oriented programs
Work Experience
Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, Cabrini University, Radnor, PA
(Jan 2019 - Present)
Provide oversight for all academic schools and departments of the University, both
undergraduate and graduate
Act as the chief administrative officer in the President's absence
Lead the University’s strategic planning (Vision 2025) process
Introduced Cabrini’s Common Hour, which includes Field Day activities for all
faculty, students, and staff
Reinvigorated the Nerney Leadership Institute to make it open to all students and a
strong pillar of the university’s mission
Oversee institutional accreditation including all state, discipline, and higher education
academic accreditation requirements
Participate in creating and deepening "high impact" practices that engage students
Represent the University's academic programs to internal and external communities
Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of Faculty, Cottey College, Nevada, MO
(July 2015 - 2018).
Encouraged innovative practices and an entrepreneurial approach through an initiative
called “Big Ideas.” Cottey’s new youth dance lessons and yoga classes for members
of the community emanated from the initiative
Served as a key member of the College’s strategic planning process; also participated
in the unveiling of the College’s brand identity
Led efforts to increase enrollment by diversifying academic offerings & delivery
methods through new majors, online courses, & proposals for professional certificates
Started the conversation to adopt a campus-wide ERP system to ensure consistency
and efficiency in the management of student data from the recruitment and
engagement phases to the graduation phase. The ERP was approved and funded by the
Board of Trustees
Implemented an early registration program for new students to prevent summer melt
Facilitated a study abroad partnership with York St. John University, England
Developed a viable online summer semester to enhance graduation rates and diversify
revenue stream
Created a Moodle/eLearning forum for Cottey’s freshman class to enhance retention
Increased professional development funds to support faculty and staff members
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Restructured the College’s Leadership program, proposed a signature conference, and
streamlined grant funding procedures
Initiated efforts to reimagine the core curriculum and integrate the threads of
leadership, global awareness, and social responsibility. This resulted in a revised core
and a first-year seminar focused on writing
Created “Cottey Cares Committee,” which works on matters related to diversity,
inclusion, and campus climate
Facilitated an agreement with Indiana University for Cottey Law Scholars’ program,
which guarantees Cottey graduates accepted into Maurer School of Law scholarships
in the amount of $45,000 (In-state students) or $75,000 (Out-of-state)
Initiated the development of five new majors, including Secondary Education
Facilitated training workshops to ensure online courses were assessed appropriately
As a co-chair of Cottey’s International Travel Advisory Board, worked with the
committee to codify and create program goals and assessment plans for College-
sponsored international trips and expanded opportunities for student travel
Completed program reviews for nine degree programs
Provided oversight and supervised staff in the academic affairs areas including the
Library; Academic Records; Academic Computing; Serenbetz Institute for Women’s
Leadership, and the Kolderie Center for Student Success
Dean, School of Social Sciences, Business & Education, Mount Mary University,
Milwaukee WI (August 2013 - 2015).
Supervised the Education, Justice, Social Work, Behavioral Science, and Business
Departments, including all associated accelerated programs
Led School in strategic planning initiatives targeting curriculum & co-curriculum
development, enrollment, retention and persistence efforts, and cost effectiveness
Collaborated with representatives from the Center for Creative Leadership, NC to
restructure a core freshman course (Leadership for Social Justice) as a member of
a team charged with infusing the curriculum with creative elements
Utilized and accurately interpreted metrics provided by the Institutional Research
and Business Offices to ensure academic quality and integrity of all programs
Served as a visible leader of the School and developed relationships with
corporate and community partners to establish internships and other applied
academic opportunities
Proactively sought fundraising and grant opportunities to further strategic
initiatives working collaboratively with faculty and with the Development and
University Communications staff
Worked with departments to develop and propose new majors, minors, graduate
programs and certificates, and to facilitate required approval processes for new
academic programs
Worked collaboratively with department chairs to develop and maintain budgets
and responsible for the overall management of fiscal resources of the School
Initiated the plan to start a summer business boot camp for high school students
aimed at boosting the entrepreneurial drive of girls in the Greater Milwaukee area
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Worked out a partnership agreement with the Wisconsin Women’s Business
Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) meant to provide entrepreneurship courses to
business boot camp participants
Assistant Dean for Student Services, Diederich College of Communication, Marquette
University, Milwaukee, WI (July 2010 - 2013).
Supervised academic and student services areas
Served on the university’s Committee on Academic Procedures (CAPS)
Managed college’s enrollment and retention services. Helped to increase enrollment
yields by 15% and minority enrollment from 12 to 22%
Supervised study abroad programs, internships, student organizations & student media
Served as adviser to the freshman class
Managed the collection of data for accreditation visits
Conducted career planning activities including career fair previews and recruiter visits
Served as chair of college’s Outreach, Alumni, and Events Committee
Organized Open Houses, Honors’ Convocation, Scholarship Day and Commencement
Managed scholarship awards and interviews
Served as editor of college newsletter and assisted with Alumni Magazine
Managed the college’s Student Ambassadors and Student Council groups
Oversaw appropriate correspondence and data collection for student services
Advised and met visiting prospective students, parents, and others
Supervised staff in student services area
Associate/Assistant Professor of Journalism, University of South Carolina Upstate,
Spartanburg, S.C. (Aug. 2002 - 2010).
Courses Taught
JOU 350- New and Emerging Media
COM 375- Communication Research Methods
JOU 305- Mass Communication Theory
JOU 333- Newswriting and Reporting
JOU 303- Law and Ethics of the Mass Media
JOU 480/450- Minorities in the Media/ Women in the Media
COM 490- Senior Seminar
Student Media Adviser, University of South Carolina Upstate (Jan. 2003 - June 2010).
Served as a key member of USC Upstate’s Media Board
Advised on budgets, contracts, staff recruiting, and publications’ procedures
Supported and explained operations and decisions of publications to campus personnel
Scheduled and planned events sponsored by student publications
Advised on possible stories and legal/ethical concerns
Interacted with faculty & administration involved with matters related to publications
Critiqued each published issue of the newspaper & accompanied staff to conventions
Assisted with the planning of the Media Board’s annual publications workshops
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Coordinator, Journalism and Electronic Media Unit, University of South Carolina
Upstate, Spartanburg, SC (Aug. 2006 - 2010).
Reviewed unit’s academic programs and introduced new courses
Coordinated unit’s curriculum assessments
Coordinated faculty members’ teaching schedules
Ordered books and audio visual materials for Journalism and Electronic Media
Designed unit’s media lab and ordered software for lab
Coordinated Journalism and Electronic Media internships
Co-chaired Media Day, an annual high school recruiting event
Managed faculty searches within unit
Chaired the taskforce whose work and recommendations were critical to the
establishment of the Center for Teaching Excellence at USC Upstate
Teaching Assistant, University of Texas at Austin (Jan. 1999 - May 2002).
Served as a Teaching Assistant for Newswriting & Critical Issues in Journalism
courses. The role involved researching, teaching, grading, and assisting undergraduate
students enrolled in the courses. Also responsible for managing the newswriting lab.
Features Editor, Newsman Newspapers, Enugu, Nigeria (1991 - 1992).
Supervised feature writing staff
Managed unit’s budget
Assigned feature stories
Edited feature articles
Designed page layouts
Crafted editorials
Conducted interviews for feature sections
Political Staff Writer/ Reporter, Satellite Newspapers, Enugu, Nigeria (1990 - 1991).
Maintained a political report column
Conducted polls and research on political events
Investigated and covered major political events during elections
Conducted interviews with political figures
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Sample Programs Initiated
Annual Diversity Conference/Speaker Series, University of South Carolina Upstate
Initiated and chaired Annual Diversity Conference Series, USC Upstate (2004-2010).
Some of the invited speakers for the conference over the years include:
o Senator Mobina Jaffer, Canadian senator representing British Columbia and
the Canadian government’s special envoy for the peace process in Sudan
o John Prendergast, co-founder of Enough Project and former special advisor,
Department of State and National Security Council Director in President
Clinton’s administration
o Debra Kocher, Vice President, CNN International
o Dr. Liliane Koziol, Deputy Consul of Madagascar
o Gwen Goad, UNICEF representative for South Carolina
o Fredricka Whitfield, anchor, CNN Saturday
o Femi Oke, former host, CNN’s Inside Africa
o Dr. Lanze Thompson, Vice President Finance at CNN
o Patrick D. Cannon, former Mayor Pro Tem, City of Charlotte
o Dedrick Russell, President Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists
College Rockz Talent/Scholarship Show- College Rockz brought together students from
universities in the Southeast to compete for scholarship prizes in different talent categories.
Initiated the concept to promote the arts, diversity, and collegiality among college
students by offering scholarship prizes to students who displayed outstanding talent
Produced press releases for event
Created awareness for event by visiting colleges, high schools, churches, and college
fraternities and sororities
Identified and invited talents to perform and judge contests
Developed internet, radio, print, and social media campaigns to recruit student talents
and promote event
Developed and maintained event website
Supervised event including the artists, performers, lighting and sound crew
Secured sponsorship for event
Grants
Led units/organizations that have acquired significant gifts and grants, including six-figure
gifts. Served as PI for several grant awards including the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s
Journal Foundation/ Walter J. and Clara Charlotte Damm Fund; Diversity Incentive Grants;
numerous Teaching and Productive Scholarship Grants; Mayor of Spartanburg’s Cultural
Foundation Grant; and Community Outreach & Partnership Center Grant etc.
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Publications and Manuscripts
“Impact of Facebook on Students’ Knowledge and Political Activity.” Research completed in
2010 with grant received from the Greater Milwaukee Journal Foundation.
“Rethinking Cultural Imperialism: Cultural Resistance and Resilience amid Imported TV
Programs,” Africa Today Journal, Indiana University Press, Vol. 55, No. 1, fall 2008.
“Faces without Voices: Nigerian Women in the News.” In Women, Men, and News: Divided
and Disconnected in the News Media edited by Paula Poindexter, Sharon Meraz, and Amy
Schmitz Weiss, December 2007.
“Faces without Voices: Nigerian Women in the News.” Proceedings from Athens Institute
for Education and Research conference, Athens, Greece, May 2007.
Girl Talk: Whose Am I? Conversations with Young Nigerian Women. Book in Progress.
Based on conversations with young Nigerian-American girls. Explores the challenges of
growing up as Americans with parents of African heritage.
Conference Paper Presentations
Panelist, “Purpose Drives Relevance and Resilience,” Central Exchange Leadership Lyceum,
Overland Park, KS, April 24, 2018.
“Foreign Media Programming: An Alienating or Homogenizing Force.” Presented at the
Global Media Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 2011.
“Faces without Voices: Nigerian Women in the News.” Presented at the Athens Institute for
Education and Research, Athens, Greece, May 2007.
“The Cross-cultural Effects of American TV Programs on Nigerian Audiences.” Paper
presented at the Annual Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
(AEJMC) Conference in Toronto, Canada, August 2004.
“Straddling Progressive and Recuperative Elements: A Critical Analysis of The First Wives'
Club.” Paper presented at the 52nd (2002) Annual International Communication Association
(ICA) Conference in Seoul, Korea.
“Hell is where the Police are German: Avoiding Stereotypes and Unintended Biases in News
Stories.” Diversity session presented at the National Media Convention in Chicago, Oct. 2012,
New York, March 2010 & 2011, Louisville, KY and Orlando, FL, Oct 2010 & 2011.
“Revisiting Cultural Imperialism: Cultural Resistance and Resilience amid Imported TV
Programs.” Poster presented at the International Research and Forward Thinking Conference
at Marquette University, November, 2011.
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“You Don’t Own Me: Hollywood’s Cooptation of Feminist Strategies.” Paper presented at
Faculty Symposium, Marquette University, April 2010.
“A Tale of Two Deltas: Oil, Politics and the Environment in the Mississippi and Niger
Deltas.” Roundtable presentation accepted for the 52nd (2009) Annual Convention of the
African Studies Association Conference, New Orleans.
Panel Chair, “Mr. Popular becomes Mr. President: The Golden Global Image of Barack
Obama.” A Panel at USC Upstate’s “Great Conversations” Series, March 5, 2009.
Panel Chair, “Gendered Narratives in African Literature and Life.” Southeast Regional
Seminar on African Studies, Spartanburg S.C., February 22, 2009.
“Nigerian Women’s Media Images.” Presented at the 51st Annual Convention of the African
Studies Association Conference, Chicago, November 13, 2008.
“Facebook.com and MySpace.com: Critical Issues in Invasion of Privacy.” Presented at the
Fourth Annual Upstate Research Symposium, April 11, 2008.
“Gendering the Problem, ‘Class’ifying the Blame: Intimate Partner Violence in Tyler Perry’s
Movies.” Presented at the Third Annual Upstate Research Symposium, April 2007.
“Globalization and the Impact of Foreign Media.” Presented at the Second Annual Upstate
Symposium, April 2006.
“Nigerian Television Programming Flows through the Decades: 1960s-2000s.” Paper
presented at the African Studies Association Conference in New Orleans, LA, Nov. 2004.
“Rethinking Cultural Imperialism: Cultural Resistance and Resilience amid Imported TV
Programming.” Presented at the 48th Annual African Studies Association Conference in
Washington D.C., November 2005.
“Jammin' for Change: The Impact of 107.3 Jamz' Campaign on the Approval of an MLK
Holiday in Greenville County.” Presented at the First Annual USC Upstate Research
Symposium, April 2005.
“A Uses and Gratifications Approach to the Study of Soap Viewers' Adoption of Online
Forums.” Presented at the International Conference on TV, Audio, Video, New Media and
Feminism, in New Orleans, LA, May 2004.
“Global Television Flows: Still a One-Way Phenomenon? A Content Analysis of TV
Programming in Nigeria.” Paper presented at Global Fusion International Conference in
Austin, TX, October 2003.
“Revisiting TV Programming in Nigeria.” Paper presented at the Nineteenth (2002) Annual
Intercultural Communication Conference, Miami, FL.
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“Manufacturing Consent in Soap Operas: How "The Bold and Beautiful" Legitimates
Incestuous Behavior.” (2002) Annual Gender Studies Conference, Austin, TX.
“Cultural Resistance and Resilience amid Imported TV Programming in Nigeria.” Paper
Competition Winner for Research in Progress, Broadcast Education Association Conference,
Las Vegas, NV, 2002.
“Television Flows in Nigeria: 1960s to 2000.” Paper presented at the Nineteenth Annual
(2002) Intercultural Communication Conference, Miami, FL.
“The Portrayal of African-American Women in the Media.” Paper presented at the
Eighteenth Annual (2001) Intercultural Communication Conference, Miami, FL.
“Female Recuperation and Family Reconstitution in the First Wives Club.” Paper
presented at the Fifth Annual (2001) Graduate Student Conference on Race, Identity, and
Representation at the University of Texas, Austin.
“Internet Chat Rooms and Message Boards: Why Soap Fans Find Them Irresistible.”
Presented at the Eight (2001) Annual Gender Studies Conference, Austin TX.
“Nigerian Women in the United States: A Case of Changing Expectations?” Paper presented
at the Seventh (1999) Annual Gender Studies Conference, Austin TX.
“Cultivating Strategies for Effective Media Relations and Visibility.” Invited talk presented at
the Third Annual Symposium of the National Soccer Coaches of America- Black Soccer
Coaches Committee, May 16-18, 2008.
“Social and Environmental Issues Affecting Nigeria.” Presented at USC Upstate's
International Day Panel, October 2005.
Moderated and presented the Nigerian perspective on the panel, “Dating and Marriage: An
International Perspective.” USC Upstate's International Studies Diversity Week Program,
spring and fall 2003.
“The Effects of Western Entertainment Programs on Nigerian Audiences.” Presented to
University of South Carolina, Upstate's Honors House, fall 2002.
“International News in Practice.” Presented to the Society of Professional Journalists, Austin
TX, September 2000.
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Other Scholarly Participations and Invited Talks
Keynote Speaker for Women of Influence Award, African American Museum, March 2019.
Keynote Speaker, Encounter Day, organized by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for
the African Catholic Apostolate and Office for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees, June
8, 2019.
Attended the College of Independent College’s Chief Academic Officers Institute at
Baltimore, MD, Nov. 2-5, 2019.
Attended the TIAA Institute Women’s Leadership Forum, New York, 2019 & 2018
Moderator, “Women Who Wow.” Cottey College, Nevada, MO, Oct. 26, 2017.
“Navigating Cultural Sensitivity in the Workplace.” Presented at Central Exchange,
April 28, 2016.
Attended division meetings and presentations at the International Communication Association
Conference, in Prague, Czech Republic, CA, May 24-28, 2018.
Attended division meetings and presentations at the International Communication Association
Conference, in San Diego, CA, May 24-27, 2017.
Attended the College of Independent College’s Chief Academic Officers Institute at San
Antonio, TX, Nov. 4-7, 2017.
Attended division meetings and presentations at the International Communication Association
Conference, in Fukuoka, Japan June 9-13, 2016.
Attended division meetings and presentations at the International Communication Association
Conference, in Seattle, Washington, May 23-26, 2014.
Participated in Women Leaders Conference, Milwaukee, WI, March 30, 2012 & 2011.
Participated in the National Academic Advising Conference in Orlando Fl, October 2010 and
2011. Also participated in the administrators’ seminars at the conferences.
Theater Productions
Directed, acted, and served as costume designer for theater productions, including “Romeo
and Juliet,” “Dilemma of a Ghost,” “Trials of Dedan Kimathi” and “The Lion and the Jewel.”
Directed student productions as a Dramatic Arts undergraduate major
Newspaper Articles
Wrote several op-ed pieces, TV program reviews, and columns
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Honors and Awards
Named one of Philadelphia Region’s Women of Influence, FunTimes Magazine
(March, 2020)
Received a Citation by the City Council of Philadelphia (2019)
Inducted honorary member of Delta Epsilon Sigma National Scholastic Honor Society
Golden Roses recognition for promotion of diversity at Marquette University (2012)
Diversity Advocate Award, USC Upstate (2006)
Bank of America’s Excellence in Teaching and Advising Award (2006)
Nominated for South Carolina Governor’s Professor of the Year Award (2006)
USC Upstate Student Affairs’ Outstanding Adviser Award (2006)
USC Upstate Student Affairs' Outstanding Adviser Award (spring 2005)
Broadcast Education Association's Best “Research in Progress” Paper (April 2002)
Ada Frances Miller Fellowship for Excellence in Journalism (2002)
University of Texas' University Continuing Fellowship (2001)
Member Kappa Tau Alpha- Journalism Honor Society (1999-present)
Prize Winner- Royal Commonwealth Essay Competition (1982)
Media Features
Featured on the cover of FunTimes Magazine as one of Philadelphia’s Women of
Influence and a Black Woman Icon
Featured in media interviews and appearances including Kansas City’s Hot 103.3; Bill
Drake’s morning show; and 107.3’s “Pause for the Cause”
Featured in Belle Magazine ad as one of the “Women of Accomplishment” at
University of South Carolina Upstate
Featured in Spartanburg Herald Journal’s pieces on Annual Diversity Conference
Membership in Professional Associations
Missouri Diversity Officers in Higher Education (MODOHE) (2016-2019)
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (1999-present)
International Communication Association (1999-present)
Broadcast Education Association (1999-present)
Central Exchange (2015-present)
Professional Dimensions (2014 to 2016)
Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (2014-to 2016)
National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) (2010-2015)
College Media Advisers (2004-present)
National Association of Black Journalists (2004-present)
Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (2007-2010)
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (1999-present)
International Communication Association (1999-present)
Broadcast Education Association (1999-present)
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Community and Professional Service
Vice President, Board of Directors, Arts Council of Johnson County (2017 to 2019)
Conference paper reviewer for the Feminist Scholarship and Political Communication
divisions of the International Communication Association (Nov. 2014)
Member steering committee, Celebrate Teachers and Teaching, a sub group of the
Education Deans of Greater Milwaukee
Board member, Courage to Dare Breast Cancer Foundation (2011-2015)
Member, Diversity Committee, College Media Advisers (2009-present)
Country Host, Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce’s International Festival (fall 2009)
Volunteer, Mobile Meals of Spartanburg (2008-2010)
Judge, National Mock Trial (October 2006)
Judge, Speech and Communication Competition (February 2005)
Member, Women’s Caucus, African Studies Association (2005-2010)
Served on the Internet and Communication Technology Group- ICTG’s programming
and recruitment committee (fall 2004). Part of the African Studies Association
Board member, Kreative Dimensions- a non-profit organization for the preservation
and restoration of African and African-American culture (2003-2004)
Reviewer, Mental Health Association's United Way’s grant presentation (spring 2004)
Invited Speaker, Black History Program- T.K. Gregg Recreation Center, (spring 2004)
Guest media facilitator- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s
(NICHD) Media Smart program (spring 2003 and fall 2003)
Editorial Assistant, Book Reviews, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly,
(Sept. 2000-June 2002)
University Service Activities
Chair, University Planning Council (2019-present)
Co-Chair, Academic Planning Council (2019-present)
Chair, Cottey College’s Diversity Committee (2015-2018)
Chair, International Travel Advisory Board (2015-2018)
Member- Cottey College Planning Committee (2015-2018)
Member, Marquette University’s Committee on Academic Procedures- CAPS
(Aug 2010-May 2013)
Marquette University’s Collegiate Diversity Committee (2010-2011)
Chair, Center for Teaching Excellence Taskforce, USC Upstate (2009-2010)
Member, Peer Review Committee (2008-2010)
Member, Academic Affairs Committee (2007-2010)
Member of eleven search committees and chair of six search committees (2002-2010)
Chair, Third Upstate Research Symposium panel (April 2007)
Chair, Programming sub-Committee, Center for Women’s Studies and Programs’
Advisory Board (2007-2010)
Chair, Teaching Excellence Committee, USC Upstate (2005-2006)
Facilitator, Black History Month Events (spring 2006)
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Member, Excellence in Teaching Selection Committee (2007)
USC Upstate’s Representative at the Spartanburg Herald Journal's “Celebrate
Community” benefiting the Children's Advocacy Center of Spartanburg (spring 2005)
Served as Electronic Media search recruiter at Association for Education in
Journalism and Mass Communications Conference in San Antonio, and the Broadcast
Education Association Conference in Las Vegas (April and August 2005)
Recording Secretary, Teaching Excellence Committee (2004-2005)
Presenter, International Club workshops (fall 2005, spring and fall 2003)
Board member, Center for International Studies’ Advisory Board (2004-2010)
Board member, USC Upstate Women's Studies Advisory Board (2004-2009)
Member, USC Upstate’s Media Board (2003-2010)
Announcer, Commencement Ceremony, USC Upstate (December, 2003)
Reader, Multi-cultural Women’s Voices, (spring 2003)
Served as a reader for several graduating seniors’ research papers (2002- 2010)
Graduate Student Representative: University of Texas at Austin’s Students' Issues
Advisory Committee (SIAC) (2000-2002)
Member, UT Austin School of Journalism's director search committee (2002)
Professional References
Dr. Mary Mba, French Dept., Cottey College, [email protected], 785-304-4452.
Carla Farmer, Former Director of Marketing, Cottey College, 620-224-6500.
Dr. Jackie McMorris, Board of Trustees, Cottey College, [email protected],
678-859-1956.
Dr. Mark Kiselica, Director, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education at Penn
State Harrisburg, [email protected], 717-948-6383.
Michelle Filling-Brown, Dean School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Cabrini
University, [email protected], 610-952-9977.
Lisa Anderson, former professor at the University of South Carolina Upstate,
[email protected], 864-431-9672.
Gloria Bonilla-Santiago, Cabrini Board of Trustees, Graduate Department of Public
Policy and Administration, and Director of the Community Leadership Center at Rutgers,
The State University of New Jersey, [email protected], 856-225-6348.
