Debbie Blankenship

Debbie Blankenship serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Mercer University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where she directs the Reg Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism. She teaches core journalism courses and oversees student work in partner newsrooms while managing the Center's operations since becoming permanent director in 2019 after 18 months as interim leader.

Her academic credentials include an M.A. in Mass Communication from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Graphic Communications from Clemson University. Prior to Mercer, she worked as a journalist across Georgia and South Carolina and for U.S. Congressman Jim Marshall on veterans' issues.

Professionally focused on civic and accountability journalism, Blankenship investigates how communities access and engage with journalistic content. She also teaches Integrated Studies courses examining poverty's impact on academic achievement, emphasizing community-centered pedagogy and collaborative reporting models.

Her project 'Macon in the Mirror' received significant recognition:

• First place in Community Service category
• Second place for Best Online News Project
• Finalist for McClatchy President's Award for Journalism

As an advisor, she mentors journalism students through newsroom placements while maintaining active community involvement as a Girl Scout troop co-leader and board member for Friends of Tattnall Square Park and On The Table Macon.