About: Dr. Juan (pronounced as “Dren”) Meng is the Head of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations in the College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. Dr. Meng is an associate professor of public relations. She is the founder and director of UGA‘s Go Global Choose China study abroad program. She also founded the College’s Cooperative Education 3+1+1 programs with Shanghai Normal University and Shanghai International Studies University, and serves as the programs‘ academic advisor.
Education
Ph.D., University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
M.S., University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
M.A., Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH
B.S., Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Research Interests and Activities
Dr. Meng’s research specialization includes public relations leadership, leadership development, diversity and leadership in PR, measurement in PR, and global communication. She has published more than 70 refereed journal articles, scholarly book chapters and research reports on leadership-related topics. She is the co-editor of Public Relations Leaders as Sensemakers: A Global Study of Leadership in Public Relations and Communication Management (Routledge, 2014). Her most recent scholarly book, PR Women with Influence: Breaking through the Ethical and Leadership Challenges (Peter Lang International, 2021), is the Volume 6 of the AEJMC-Peter Lang Scholarsourcing Series. She has been invited to present at various panels, workshops, webinars, podcasts, and symposiums nationally and internationally.
Meng serves on the national advisory board of The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations and leads several signature research projects funded by The Plank Center, including the largest global study of PR leadership, Millennial Communication Professionals in the Workplace, the biennial Leadership Report Cards, the biennial North American Communication Monitor, and Women and Leadership in PR. Meng also serves on the national advisory board of Ragan Communications and PR Daily. She was recently tapped to serve as an inaugural member of the Institute of Public Relations new initiative called IPR ELEVATE, a group of PR leaders dedicated to advancing the research-focused mission in the industry. She currently serves as the Research Vice Chair on the executive leadership committee of the Educators Academy at Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
Dr. Meng is an elected member of the Arthur W. Page Society since 2019, a member of the Page Up Society (2017-2019), the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (2006 to present), and the International Communication Association (2006 to present). She also serves on the editorial advisory board for six leading scholarly journals in the field, including Journal of Public Relations Research, Public Relations Review, International Journal of Strategic Communication, Corporate Communications: An International Journal, Journal of Promotion Management, and Journal of Public Relations Education. Dr. Meng has received multiple awards for teaching and research in public relations, including the International ABERJE Award, the Arthur W. Page Top Ethics Paper Award, the Wilcox Award for Best Teaching Paper, and other top research paper awards from PRSA, AEJMC, ICA and IPRRC.
Sun, Ruoyu (Grady alumna) and Juan Meng. (2022). “Looking at young millennials’ risk perception and purchase intention toward GM foods: Exploring the role of source credibility and risk attitude.” Health Marketing Quarterly, Vol. […]
Read MoreAbstract: our research endeavors to provide the current reality of gender equality in the profession of public relations in the geographic region of America (i.e., North America and South America). Specifically, […]
Read MoreAbstract: Crucibles are essential in the development of leaders. Crucibles refer to trials and challenges that test and mold the character, values and behavior of leaders. Through in-depth interviews with […]
Read MoreMeng, Juan. (March 2, 2022). VOICES: Meet the faculty and students of VOICES and learn how you can be involved. This webinar is organized and hosted by VOICES, the new national organization […]
Read MoreMeng, Juan and Neill, Marlene. (March 15, 2022). The role of ethical leadership in building influence, invited and interviewed by Mark McClennan, APR, Fellow PRSA and to be featured in EthicalVoices: Real Ethics […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study investigated the ethical challenges facing public relations professionals in today’s digital communication environment. Our research found nearly 60% of surveyed professionals reported that they faced ethical challenges […]
Read MoreRecognition: 2022 ICA Rock Star Reviewer – Dr. Juan Meng was nominated by the Public Relations Division of the International Communication Association for her service and reviewing for the 2022 ICA […]
Read MoreRobayo-Sanchez, Karen Andrea (Grady MA student), Dr. Juan Meng, and Dr. Ana Maria Suarez (Universidad de Medellin in Colombia) received the International ABERJE Award for outstanding research conducted on South American […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study is motivated to investigate the ethical challenges facing public relations professionals in today’s digital communication environment. Our research found nearly 60% of surveyed professionals reported that they faced […]
Read MoreAbstract: This research is motivated to advance our understanding of measurement challenges in communication practice and coping strategies from a global perspective. To do so, we relied on data from a […]
Read MoreAbstract: Practices of ethical leadership in public relations can be context-specific and they can influence organizational effectiveness. By conducting a national survey, this study examines female public relations professionals’ perspectives on […]
Read MoreJuan Meng was nominated and appointed as co-research Chair of the Executive Leadership Committee at Public Relations Society of America Educators Academy. Dr. Meng will work with the other co-research chair […]
Read MoreJuan Meng was nominated and appointed to the 2022 national editorial advisory board at Ragan Communications and PR Daily. Dr. Meng will work with the editor-in-chief at PR Daily and other […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study investigated PR professionals’ attention to and perceptions of cybersecurity, and their involvement in handling cybersecurity incidents. Preliminary findings include that practitioners in the US and Canada did […]
Read MoreAbstract: When numerous reasons behind the obesity problem, such as eating junk food, consuming too many calories, sedentary lifestyle, and other individual-centric causes may not be easily erased, several factors were […]
Read MoreAbstract: Digital communication enables PR professionals to analyze audiences using their personal data, or to distribute messages via paid channels. Although effective, these practices are often assessed critically from an ethical […]
Read MoreAbstract: The purpose of this study is to understand the extent to which servant leadership and ethics of care are being practiced by public relations leaders. This study provides in-depth […]
Read MoreAbstract: Communication practitioners are expected to master a wide range of communication and non-communication skills to demonstrate efficiency and competency. Although the competency spectrum has been taken for granted in […]
Read MoreAbstract: This research is motivated to advance our understanding of measurement challenges in communication practice and coping strategies from a global perspective. To do so, we relied on data from […]
Read MoreAbstract: Practices of ethical leadership in public relations can be context-specific and they can influence organizational effectiveness. By conducting a national survey, this study examines female public relations professionals’ perspectives on […]
Read MoreAbstract: our research endeavors to provide the current reality of gender equality in the profession of public relations in the geographic region of America (i.e., North America and South America). Specifically, […]
Read MoreAbstract: Crucibles are essential in the development of leaders. Crucibles refer to trials and challenges that test and mold the character, values, and behavior of leaders. Through in-depth interviews with […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study aims at advancing leadership research in corporate communications by introducing a more rigorous statistical approach to test whether communication professionals of different hierarchical reporting levels, years of experience, […]
Read MoreAbstract: Women who aspire to leadership positions in public relations have to develop political astuteness when it comes to addressing ascribed identities and expectations associated with gender and race. Through […]
Read MoreAbstract: The purpose of this research is to introduce inclusive leadership as a new theoretical framework to understand its meaning and functions in advancing gender equalities and empowerment in public […]
Read MoreAbstract: The rise of a professional career presents women in today’s public relations profession an intense challenge in balancing professional and family responsibilities. Therefore, this study investigates female public relations […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study investigates the ethical challenges facing public relations professionals in today’s digital communication environment. Specifically, we focused our research on the new ethical challenges in digital practice, the […]
Read MoreJuan Meng and Jeonghyun (Janice) Lee (doctoral student). (Sept. 23, 2021) Abstract: Digital acumen is essential for communication management in today’s technology-driven communication environment. However, not every communication professional is […]
Read MoreInvited talk by the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China. Dr. Meng was invited to share research insights on communication practice […]
Read MoreAbstract: This research spotlight shares insights on how technology changes how leaders guide their teams and organizations and some of the greatest challenges for leaders to adapt in the digital […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study investigated young millennials’ risk perception, benefit perception, and purchase intention toward GM foods by testing the effects of source credibility and risk attitude. By comparing two samples […]
Read MoreDr. Meng serves as an invited panelist to discuss how the double pandemic—the virus and racial reckoning—is continuing to shape resilience, resourcefulness and reform in our industry and how educators […]
Read MoreAbstract: As an important group of internal stakeholders, communication professionals carry the responsibilities to communicate with multiple groups of audience and foster trusted and satisfied relationships, both internally and externally. […]
Read MoreAbstract: The purpose of this research is to introduce inclusive leadership as a new theoretical framework to understand its meaning and functions in advancing gender equalities and empowerment in public […]
Read MoreAbstract: 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 […]
Read MoreAbstract: This research presents the findings from a large-scale national online survey of Chinese citizens (N = 1,713) about their general knowledge of COVID-19 and the key communication channels that […]
Read MoreAbstract: A conditional process model for the impact of obesity knowledge on healthy food choice was proposed to examine how consumers’ obesity knowledge and online search for nutritional information (OSNI) […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study examines current critical situational issues and barriers that are likely to influence women’s leadership advancement along their career paths in public relations. A national online survey of […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study addresses the persistent gender discrepancies in the communication profession at three levels (i.e., the micro level with individual communication professionals, the meso level with communication department and/or […]
Read MoreAbstract: The rise of a professional career presents women in today’s public relations profession an intense challenge in balancing professional and family responsibilities. Therefore, this study is motivated to investigate […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study is motivated to investigate the ethical challenges facing public relations professionals in today’s digital communication environment. Specifically, we focused our research on the new ethical challenges in […]
Read MoreMeng, J. (May 13, 2021). Leadership in public relations: the state of research. Invited talk at the School of Communication and International Relations, Blanquerna—Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain.
Read MoreMeng, J., & Neill, M. S. (May 19, 2021). Building mentorship and networks: Insights from PR Women with Influence. Invited live training session at the 2021 UGA AdPR Academy.
Read MoreMeng, J., Reber, B. H., Gower, K., Zerfass, A. (June 9, 2021). Exploring the 2020-2021 North American Communication Monitor. Facebook Live Webinar, invited and hosted by the Plank Center for […]
Read MoreMeng, J. (July 2, 2021). Trusted sources of information, perceived quality in communication, and health knowledge retention: A national study of COVID-19 pandemic in China. Invited presentation as part of […]
Read MoreNeill, M. S., & Meng, J. (July 27, 2021). Leadership Research Roundtable: Ethics of Care, invited and hosted by The Arthur W. Page Center and The Arthur W. Page Society.
Read MoreHopkins, K., Dahmen, N., Russell, Karen M., Meng, Juan, & Neill, M. S. (August 5, 2021). AEJMC-Peter Lang Scholarsourcing Book Series Panel, invited talk at the 2021 annual conference of […]
Read MoreAbstract This chapter presents the research findings from a national research project on women and leadership in public relations in the United States (Meng & Neill, 2021). Through its 51 […]
Read MoreAbstract As an important group of internal stakeholders, communication professionals carry the responsibilities to communicate with multiple groups of audience and foster trusted and satisfied relationships, both internally and externally. […]
Read MoreAbstract This research is motivated to advance our understanding of measurement challenges in communication practice and coping strategies from a global perspective. To do so, we relied on data from […]
Read MoreThis research is motivated to explore communication professionals’ understanding of the digital changes brought by the Industry 4.0 revolution and how such changes may affect the strategies and skills expected […]
Read MoreStrategic Communication in a Global Crisis: National and International Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Read MoreNorth American Communication Monitor 2020-2021. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic, ethical challenges, gender issues, cyber security, and competence gaps in strategic communication.
Read MoreMeng, Juan: The 2021/2022 Page/Johnson Legacy Scholar Award for research contributions to the ethics of care in public relations research and practice. Awarded by The Arthur W. Page Center for […]
Read MoreNeill, M. S. (CO-PI) at Baylor University and Meng, Juan (CO-PI) at University of Georgia: $6,000 (funded) (July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022) Funder/Sponsor: The Arthur W. Page Center […]
Read MoreAbstract: Practices of ethical leadership in public relations can be context-specific but they can influence organizational effectiveness. By conducting a national survey, this study examines female public relations professionals’ perspectives […]
Read MoreAbstract: 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 […]
Read MoreAbstract: This research presents the findings from a large-scale national online survey of Chinese citizens (N = 1,713) about their general knowledge of COVID-19 and the key communication channels that […]
Read MoreAbstract: A conditional process model for the impact of obesity knowledge on healthy food choice was proposed to examine how consumers’ obesity knowledge and online search for nutritional information (OSNI) […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study examines current critical situational issues and barriers that are likely to influence women’s leadership advancement along their career paths in public relations. A national online survey of […]
Read MoreAbstract: This research presents the findings from a large-scale national online survey of citizens in Mainland China about the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, both in the time of […]
Read MoreTench, R., Meng, J., & Moreno, A. (eds.) (2022). Strategic Communication in a Global Crisis: National and International Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic. London: Routledge.
Read MoreMeng, J., & Neill, M. S. (2021). PR Women with Influence: Breaking Through Ethical and Leadership Challenges. New York: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers. *This book is Volume 6 of […]
Read MoreJuan Meng, University of Georgia, and Marlene S. Neill, Baylor University won The Arthur W. Page Center Top Ethics Paper Award in recognition for exceptional research that refines and expands […]
Read MoreDaniel Ziegele (Grady visiting graduate student), Master’s thesis title, “Work stress among communication professionals: A comparative study between Germany and the United States,” received the 2020 Best Master Thesis Award […]
Read MorePanel description: This joint panel between Media Ethics Division and Public Relations Division explores in depth the topic of women’s ethical and leadership challenges in public relations and communication management. […]
Read MoreAbstract: Communication leaders can strategically use organizational resources to co-define functions (the constructionist approaches in leadership) and to establish interpersonal alliances within and beyond communication units (the relational approaches in […]
Read MoreAbstract: This study tests how the cognitive component of work attitude, particularly the job cognition as tested by Williams and Anderson (1991), affects the dynamic relationships among trust, commitment, and […]
Read MoreMeng, J. (2019). The Most Dedicated Reviewer Award, recognized by Public Relations Division at the 2019 International Communication Association annual conference in Washington, D.C., May 27, 2019,
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, […]
Read MoreZerfass, A., Volk, S. C., Meng, Juan., & Chen, P. (2021, forthcoming). Communication Management Toolbox: Thinking tools and methods for managing corporate communications. New York: Springer. * This book will […]
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 […]
Read MoreThis project is jointly funded by the National Social Science Fund of China (NSSFC) (Funded Project Series ID: 18BXW065) and the Academic Research Project Funds of Shanghai International Studies University, […]
Read MoreAbstract: This longitudinal pedagogical research investigates students’ perceptions and learning outcomes by integrating web and social analytics-based learning activities (i.e., Google Analytics courses and certification test) into Public Relations Research […]
Read MoreAbstract: The study examines the impact of critical organizational factors (organizational culture and excellent leader performance) on public relations professionals’ overall job satisfaction by focusing on testing the joint mediating […]
Read MoreAbstract: Although millennials have been extensively examined in the popular and academic literature, there have not been sufficient studies in strategic communication that help us fully understand this unique and […]
Read MoreAbstract: Although millennials have been extensively examined in the popular and academic literature, there have not been sufficient studies in strategic communication that help us fully understand this unique and […]
Read MoreTeaching Specialties
Dr. Meng’s teaching areas include public relations campaigns, research, global PR, PR leadership and ethics. Dr. Meng founded and directs UGA’s ADPR Choose China study abroad program. She leads the program since 2014 and takes students to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong to learning global advertising and public relations. To know more about the program, please visit the Choose China website.
Experience
Prior to moving to the United States, she practiced communication in Shanghai for a few years, including being a journalist and editor at the Shanghai TV Network, correspondent in Xinhua News Agency (Shanghai Bureau), media relations specialist in Shanghai Media Group (SMG), and other strategic communication & marketing consulting service for various organizations. Before joining the faculty at Georgia, she was faculty at the University of Dayton and Oklahoma State University.
Awards and Fellowships
Dr. Meng has received multiple awards for teaching and research in public relations, including the Wilcox Award for Best Teaching Paper from AEJMC, the Red Raider Award from the Institute for Public Relations (IPR), and several top research paper awards from AEJMC, ICA and IPR.
- Member, The Page Society, since 2019
- Women’s Leadership Fellow, 2019-2020
- Board Member, The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, since 2018
- Member, The Page Up Society, since 2016
- Fellow, 2015-2016 UGA Service-Learning Fellowship Program
- Fellow, 2013-2014 UGA Teaching Academy Fellowship Program