About
Brigitta Brunner serves as a Professor in the School of Communication & Journalism at Auburn University's College of Liberal Arts, where she has taught public relations at undergraduate and graduate levels since 2002. She founded the Journal of Public Interest Communications and maintains active leadership in AEJMC, NCA, and SSA.
Her academic credentials include:
- PhD, University of Florida
- MA, Auburn University
- BA, Juniata College
Research centers on ethical frameworks in public relations, emphasizing civic engagement within land-grant university traditions. Her work bridges theoretical principles with practical applications in community communication, moral decision-making, and educational pedagogy—highlighting how public relations serves democratic processes and social responsibility.
Award highlights:
- Two-time PRIDE Book Award recipient (2017, 2019)
- Michael M. Osborn Teacher-Scholar Award (2018)
- J. Donald Ragsdale Mentoring Award (2018)
- SEC Leaders and Plank Center Fellowships
Brunner's mentorship excellence is nationally recognized through awards from SSA and the Public Relations Council of Alabama. Her leadership extends to PRCA-East Alabama presidency (2017-2019) and Southern Public Relations Federation senior practitioner designation.
