John Allen Hendricks

Dr. John Allen Hendricks is Professor and Chair of the Department of Mass Communication at Stephen F. Austin State University's College of Liberal and Applied Arts, serving in this role since 2009. He has additionally been the graduate program coordinator since 2013. Previously, he chaired the Department of Communication and Theatre at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (1998-2003), accumulating over 18 years of academic leadership experience.

Education:

• Doctorate in Communication (Advertising/Public Relations) from University of Southern Mississippi
• Master of Arts in Journalism from University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication (Political Science minor) from Southern Arkansas University

Research focuses on the intersection of media technology and political processes:

• Political communication dynamics in U.S. elections
• Social media's impact on democratic discourse
• Evolution of broadcasting and radio technologies
• New media's role in campaign strategies
• Media effects on voter behavior

His scholarly publications demonstrate consistent focus on media's political role, with recent works analyzing social media's disruptive influence on elections (2016-2025) and radio's digital transformation. Research consistently bridges communication theory and political practice.

Awards:

• National Communication Association Distinguished Book Award (2011)
• Broadcast Education Association Book Award (2022)

As graduate program coordinator, he oversees advising responsibilities. He founded and edits Lexington Books' Studies in New Media series, producing 12 volumes by 2020. Professional leadership includes serving as Broadcast Education Association President (2015-2016) and board membership (2009-2017), with fellowships at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, International Radio/Television Society, and NATPE.