Cheryl D. Jenkins

Dr. Cheryl D. Jenkins serves as Chair of the Mass Media Studies Department and Associate Professor at Talladega College's School of Humanities and Fine Arts. Previously, she held roles as Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Center for Black Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi. Her professional background includes work as a newspaper reporter and media buyer for a political consulting firm.

Education:

• PhD in Mass Communication, Howard University
• MA in Mass Communication, University of Southern Mississippi
• BA in Journalism, University of Southern Mississippi

Research focuses on racial representation in media, coverage of diverse communities, and ethical news practices. She co-authored Race and Media: Critical Perspectives, examining journalistic depictions of race and cultural diversity. Her presentations address media's portrayal of minorities and cultural issues in communication.

Awards highlight her leadership in journalism education and ethics, including the 2004 Mellon Fellowship and Cheryl Smith Leadership Award.

Advisory roles include guiding award-winning collegiate newspapers and student NABJ chapters. She actively engages in academic service through conference presentations and interdisciplinary initiatives.