Dr. Bryan H. Reber
About: He teaches public relations, management, and writing. Research foci are public relations and health and crisis communication.
Education
Ph.D., Journalism, University of Missouri
M.S., Journalism, University of Kansas
B.A., Speech and Drama, Bethel College
Research Interests and Activities
Dr. Reber’s research focuses on public relations theory, practice and pedagogy. He has published his research in the Journal of Public Relations Research, Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, Journal of Communication Management, and Newspaper Research Journal among others. In addition, Dr. Reber has presented his research at numerous academic conferences.
Abstract: The paper presents findings from an international survey of communication professionals on change leadership in communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the strong impact brought by the pandemic, communication professionals adapt quickly in change management by using COVID-19 information to build knowledge, enhance trust, develop strategies and guide actions.
Read MoreAbstract: This study uses a novel approach, the conjoint analysis, as a way to investigate the interactions between three factor groupings of the contingency theory variables that are relevant for public relations practitioners when they engage in strategic decision-making. This study’s approach offers unique perspectives and insights into the decision-making process—both furthering the contingency theory […]
Read MoreAbstract: To expand the existing scholarly literature on the nature of crisis, this study elaborates on the notion of crisis distance by 1) investigating its influence on publics’ crisis responses (i.e., crisis severity, crisis emotions, organizational reputation, and supportive behavioral intentions) and 2) unearthing the underlying mechanisms behind the effects of crisis distance. An online […]
Read MoreAbstract: The purpose of this study is to identify the best practices for corporate communication research collaboration between a university research group (URG) and outside businesses or organizations that systematically foster academic-industry idea exchange. Despite the challenges for sustainable partnership building, successful URG-industry collaboration models can be mutually beneficial. URGs’ research benefits organizations and contributes […]
Read MoreMeng, J., Berger, B. K., Heyman, W., & Reber, B. H. (2019). Public relations leaders earn a “C+” in The Plank Center’s Report Card 2019. Gender and hierarchy gaps widen, gains are elusive. Tuscaloosa, AL: The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations.
Read MoreMeng, J., Reber, B. H., Berger, B. K., Gower, K. K., & Zerfass, A. (2019). North American Communication Monitor 2018-2019. Tracking trends in fake news, issues management, leadership performance, work stress, social media skills, job satisfaction and work environment. Tuscaloosa, AL: The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations. ISBN (paperback): 978-0-578-50179-6. ISBN (electronic): 978-0-578-50180-2. […]
Read MoreAbstract: This Delphi study explores the status of crisis communication research and education qualitatively through the lens of 22 internationally recognized crisis communication scholars, systematically recruited and retained to serve on the crisis expert Delphi panel in a two-year span. Taking a multi-iteration consensus-building approach, this study enabled the expert panel to individually elaborate and […]
Read MoreAbstract:: Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness shows how crisis communication plans and efforts for complex and challenging issues benefit when academic perspectives are connected with practitioner experiences. This book brings crisis and public relations scholars together with practicing professionals to integrate academic theories and research with the knowledge and lessons learned on the frontlines of crisis […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study explored how financial crisis history can inform corporate crisis communication practice across industries and over time. Thirty-eight interviews with chief communications officers (CCOs) and their counselors were conducted to explore what lasting lessons these corporate communication leaders learned from their crisis communication practice during the 2008 Financial Crisis. Key lessons learned include: […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study explored how financial crisis history can inform corporate crisis communication practice across industries and over time. Thirty-eight interviews with chief communications officers (CCOs) and their counselors were conducted to explore what lasting lessons these corporate communication leaders learned from their crisis communication practice during the 2008 Financial Crisis. Key lessons learned include: […]
Read MoreTeaching Specialties
His primary teaching interests are public relations administration, public relations communication, and public relations campaigns. He has also taught persuasion, campaign research and public opinion management on the graduate level.
Experience
Prior to joining the Grady College, Dr. Reber worked in public relations at Bethel College, Kansas. He has conducted research and consulted for the University of Alabama, Alabama Entrepreneurial Research Network, Sierra Club, Ketchum, Missouri Public Service Commission, and others. He taught at the University of Alabama immediately prior to joining the Grady faculty.
Awards and Fellowships
He received the Ketchum/Institute for Public Relations, Scientific Methods And Research Techniques (SMART) Grant/Internship in 1999. He has received top paper awards at the International Communication Association (2001) and Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (2003, 2000).
