Debbie Davis

Dr. Debbie Davis is an Associate Professor of Practice and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs at Texas Tech University's College of Media & Communication. She holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education from Ball State University, alongside an M.A. in Public Relations and a B.A. in Journalism. Her research focuses on student-run agencies and PR pedagogy, with publications in journals like Journal of Public Relations Education. She advises the student-run agency RaiderComm PR and has led programs at Ball State University. Davis is active in PRSA's College of Fellows and serves on executive committees for the Educators Academy and AEJMC's Public Relations Division. Her professional experience spans Fortune 500 firms like Eli Lilly and Anthem, specializing in crisis communications and media relations.

• Education:
  • Ed.D., Higher Education, Ball State University
  • M.A., Public Relations, Ball State University
  • B.A., Journalism, Franklin College
• Research Interests: Student-run agencies, PR pedagogy, faculty advising, and professional development.

Her awards include the College of Fellows induction (2016), multiple Communicator of the Year titles, and National Marketing Excellence Awards from the Boy Scouts of America. Davis has also contributed to high-profile campaigns, such as a live-streamed infertility procedure and a $20 billion merger advocacy effort.

As a leader in PR education, she champions initiatives like PRSA CEPR re-certification and ethics advocacy. Her work bridges academic and professional PR through student agency mentorship and strategic leadership.