Cloudy

About: Dr. Cloudy teaches courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level in advertising and brand strategy. His goal is to prepare the next generation of advertising professionals in theory-informed and data-informed strategic thinking. Dr. Cloudy's research investigates how communication dynamics and interactive/emerging technologies shape human behavior and societal cohesion in order to develop strategies that help us navigate an increasingly polarized and mediated world. His research has been supported by organizations such as the Broadcast Education Association and the American Academy of Advertising. Outside of his role at UGA, he serves as a board member, and the chair of the marketing committee, for an Athens-based nonprofit.

View Curriculum Vitae

Education

Ph.D., Media and Communication, Texas Tech University
M.S., Human Resources & Organizational Development, University of Louisville
B.A., Psychology, University of Louisville

Research Interests and Activities

Dr. Cloudy's research seeks to understand the role of digital media and communication in fueling hate and distrust between groups, and what can be done to attenuate this. To better understand the role of digital media and communication in the formation and change of intergroup beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, his research focuses on three main areas: (1) group communication in online networks, (2) mediated intergroup contact, and (3) communication initiatives and interventions. His work has been published in Digital Journalism, Communication Research, Journal of Information Technology & Politics, Technology, Mind, and Behavior, among others.

Teaching Specialties

Dr. Cloudy has taught classes related to advertising principles, sports advertising, advertising and communication management, among others.

Experience

Before pursuing his doctorate, Dr. Cloudy was an eighth-grade science teacher and basketball coach in Southern Indiana. A lot of his time outside of teaching and research is spent following college sports and political news. A proud Indiana native, he enjoys watching college sports, especially basketball and football, and has a deep love for live music, with R&B as his favorite genre.

awards

Outstanding Teacher of the Year in Advertising, University of Georgia, Department of Advertising & Public Relations (2025 – 2026)

Visiting Professor Program – ANA Educational Foundation (2025)

Barrow Award, Communication Theory and Methodology Division of AEJMC (2023)

VITAL Scholar, University at Buffalo (2022)