Russell
Dr. Karen Miller Russell
About: Karen Miller Russell is Jim Kennedy Professor of New Media and Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor, teaching public relations and media history and advising the college’s Integrated ADPR master’s program.
Education
Ph.D., Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison
M.A., Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison
B.A., Mass Communication, University of West Georgia
Research Interests and Activities
Dr. Russell studies media history with an emphasis on public relations and is interested in qualitative research, such as ethnography and case studies, on PR. She is the author of two books, "Promoting Monopoly: AT&T and the Politics of Public Relations, 1876-1941," and "The Voice of Business: Hill and Knowlton and Postwar Public Relations." She has published articles in the Journal of PR Research, Public Relations Review, Business History Review, Communication Yearbook, Journal of Political Marketing, American Journalism, and Journalism and Communication Monographs. She served as editor of the Journal of Public Relations Research from 2009 to 2015.
Teaching Specialties
Dr. Russell teaches public relations core courses in both the undergraduate and graduate programs, with a particular interest in social media, globalization, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. She also teaches media history and is a member of the UGA graduate faculty.
Experience
Dr. Russell is a former PR writer for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, former PR specialist for the American Camping Association and former photography and publicity assistant for Common Wealth Development.
Awards and Fellowships
- Outstanding Contribution to Historical Research commendation, International History of Public Relations Conference (2019).
- Darwin-Davis Award recipient, honoring the spirit of the College of Journalism and Mass Communication (2018).
- Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor, UGA’s highest award for teaching (2017).
- UGA Teaching Academy induction (2017).
- Advisor to national championship team, PRSSA Bateman National Case Study Competition (2007).
- Pathfinder Award winner, recognition of original scholarly research which has made a significant contribution to the body of knowledge and practice of public relations by the Institute for Public Relations (2001).