Mcelroy

Q. McElroy is a Ph.D. student specializing in journalism and mass communication. Her current research focuses on the interplay between mass media and culture, with an emphasis on mediated representations of women and race. Primarily, she applies qualitative research methods through a critical cultural lens.

Q., an Atlanta native who received her undergraduate journalism degree from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, earned the “Top Student Presentation” award at the 2024 Georgia Communication Association Conference. She also has presented research at the Pennsylvania Communication Association (2023).

Before returning to academia, Q. spent more than 15 years in the industry practicing journalism and digital media for Cox Media Group, where she began as an intern for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. She held several leadership roles in Atlanta (AJC.com, accessAtlanta.com, corporate headquarters) and Ohio (Dayton Daily News, WHIO.com and more), where she created and implemented strategies to help dozens of brands grow their digital audiences using online news production, content optimization, affiliate partnerships, social media, newsletters, and more. She also oversaw an award-winning team at CMG-Ohio in Dayton as the Sr. Director of Digital Strategy for 10 brands across newspaper, radio and TV, including the No. 1 CBS affiliate in the country.

Q. has taught digital media literacy online at Arizona State University and has led a leadership development seminar for media professionals through the Poynter Media Institute for several years.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

M.A., Communication and Media Studies, Brenau University

B.A., Journalism, University of Georgia