Dominic K. McKenzie

Dominic K. McKenzie serves as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of digital storytelling in Howard University's Cathy Hughes School of Communications and directs the Howard University Multicultural Media Academy, the outreach training arm of the Department of Media, Journalism and Film. Previously, he held leadership roles as Journalism Program Director at Oakwood University and faculty positions at Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and Northern Caribbean University.

His academic credentials include a Master of Arts in Journalism with emphases in Politics, Data & Broadcast Reporting and a post-graduate certificate in Entrepreneurial Journalism, both from Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.

McKenzie's research critically examines HBCU journalism curriculum development, international student adaptation in U.S. journalism programs, healthcare disparities affecting elderly LGBTQIA+ populations, cannabis policy implications, and the cultural significance of HBCU choral music. His work centers on media representation, educational equity, and cultural preservation within historically Black contexts.

His notable recognition includes:

• New York State Senate citation (2021) for excellence in journalism and youth development

Through the Howard University Multicultural Media Academy, McKenzie develops outreach initiatives to diversify media professions while extending his educational mission through high-profile mentorship. He has coached national pageant titleholders including Dr. Jordanne Lauren Levy (Miss Universe Jamaica 2023, Top 20 Miss Universe Finalist) and Selvinique Wright (Miss Universe Bahamas 2024), focusing on interview excellence to challenge conventional beauty standards. His program development legacy includes creating Oakwood University's pioneering journalism degrees—the only such programs in North Alabama.

McKenzie's leadership integrates academic rigor with community engagement through the Multicultural Media Academy, which bridges classroom learning with professional media training while advancing representation in journalism.