Curriculum Vita
Personal Attributes and Experience includes:
| Effective Communicator | Motivated | Strategic |
| Verbal and Written Skills | Innovative | Team Building |
| Life-Long Learner | Team Player | Goal Setting = Results Oriented |
Full Time Lecturer, 2007–
Harrington School of Communication & Media
University of Rhode Island
Manage all aspects of the Public Relations Major by fostering an innovative learning environment complemented by strategic thinking.
Public Relations Major
- Instruct Public Relations Strategies (PRS340), Public Relations Practices (PRS441), Strategic Media Communication (PRS442) and Introduction to Public Relations (PRS100) by providing students with a comprehensive overview of the principles of Public Relations. Invite numerous guest speakers to provide “real life” applications to support the theoretical component of the learning experience.
- Instructed an experiential learning opportunity (Strategic Media Communciation-PRS442) at the request of Vice Provost Libutti involving 14 students resulting in recommendations delivered to University administrators regarding the effective use of social media to attract and retain students.
- Manage all aspects of the Public Relations Internship (PRS491) to ensure students experience a positive learning environment.
- Invited to be an advisor for students enrolled in the Honors Program (two consecutive years).
- Advise Public Relations students as part of the Advising Program at University College.
Program Development
- Conducted a comprehensive needs assessment of the Public Relations Major and identified specific learning outcomes to sustain an effective curriculum mapping. As a result, the Public Relations Program received the designation of excellent in terms of program development, a rich curriculum and measurable outcomes. Continue to monitor learning outcomes to effectively position the Public Relations Major as a competitive player in academia
- Course approval of four strategic courses to advance the Public Relations Major: Introduction to Public Relations, Introduction to Event Management, Strategic Media Communication and Social Media Strategies and Tactics for the Public Relations Practitioner.
Community Outreach Efforts
- Developed a relationship with the Jonnycake Center resulting in a strategic community outreach effort endorsed by the Jonnycake Center and managed by the Public Relations Majors. Goal of the “Baby Shower”: immerse students in a local community effort and to foster camaraderie among Public Relations students. Generated positive media attention.
- Implemented and manage the Public Relations Summit providing students with the opportunity to interact with business leaders in an effort to augment the theoretical component of the learning experience. As a result of the Public Relations Summits, six students participated in internships and two students were hired following graduation. Guest speakers represent Alex and Ani; RI Monthly; South County Hospital; President Obama’s Press Secretary in Rhode Island. Positive media opportunities resulted (Providence Journal, South County Independent and The Quad).
- Implemented and manage The Big Idea Group to provide students with professional development opportunities (e.g., students participated in Big Chill Event) resulting in real world experience, a driver for success indicated by industry leaders.
- Implemented and managed all details associated with “Get Career Connected” – a symposium for Public Relations and Communication Studies students featuring four high-profile business leaders and involving URI administrators.
Leadership
- Fellows Program - Participated in the Fellows Program as part of my commitment to my professional development.
- Online Teaching Fellows Program –Completed program as part of my commitment to my professional development.
- Co-Chairperson of the Social Media Committee charged with suggesting guidelines to advance the engagement of social media at the University. Presented findings, to include guidelines, to the College of Deans.
- Selected by Vice Provost Dean Libutti to recommend “next steps” to effectively advance the engagement of social media at the University. Formal recommendation submitted, July, 2011.
- Participated in the Grand Challenge Program for two semesters and invited to be a mentor as part of the Davis Grant. Integrated the topic of “homelessness” within the dynamics of Fundamentals of Communication and invited guest speaker to enhance the learning environment.
- Instructed Fundamentals of Communication for eight semesters.
Community Relations Manager for Cox Communications, New England, 2000–2007
Managed innovative programs targeted at administrators, educators and parents to increase awareness of safe online educational resources. In this role, I managed several key programs: Be Web Smart, Cable in the Classroom and Webteacher.
Internet Awareness
- Instructed administrators, educators and parents in Rhode Island and Connecticut public schools of the safe use of the internet by developing and implementing an informational program entitled “Be Web Smart”.
- Authored and published several articles in local newspaper promoting the safe use by children of the Internet.
- Guest speaker at “Parenting Matters”, a local one-day event sponsored by Lifespan. Instructed parents and educators about online educational resources available through “Cable in the Classroom”, a national initiative of the cable industry. Invited to speak for three consecutive years at this one-day conference.
"Cable in the Classroom"
- Received approval from the Rhode Island Department of Education to award contact hours to educators and administrators participating in “Cable in the Classroom” Information Session. Conducted information sessions varying in length from two to four hours in ten school districts and numerous Catholic Schools. Facilitated all details of this workshop. Participants received 2.0 to 4.0 contact hours.
- Instructed educators and administrators in online educational resources available through WebTeacher, which is sponsored by the National Cable Television Association. Facilitated all details for six workshops involving more than 200 participants.
"School Biz"
- Produced and directed “School Biz”, a monthly educational show that aired on Cox3. Designed the set for the show and managed various production tasks to include writing the script, creating a promo to advertise the show, secured guests and crafted media announcements.
Awards
- New England Cable Television Association: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 200 (Contribution to Education)
- Beacon Award – 1997, 1998, 1999 (Excellence in Education)
- Women in Cable Television – 1996, 1997 (Commitment to Education)
- Northern Rhode Island Collaborative – 1999 (Outstanding Business Partner)
Guest Speaker
- Parenting Matters facilitated by Lifespan – 1997, 1998, 1999
- Rhode Island Scholars Program – 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Education
University of Rhode Island—2005
Master of Arts, Communication Studies
Focus: Organizational Communication
Bryant University—2000
Douglas Pike
Smithfield, Rhode Island
Bachelor of Science in Management
Minor in Communication
