معرفی
Donna Downs serves as an Associate Professor of Communication and Yearbook Advisor in the Department of Communication at Taylor University. With over 30 years of service since 1987, she has held diverse roles including Associate Vice President of University Relations, accumulating 22 years of full-time teaching and 9 years of part-time instruction.
Education:
- EdD in Adult, Community, and Higher Education—Journalism, Ball State University
- MA in English and Communication, Ball State University
- BA in English and Speech Communication, Indiana University—Bloomington
Her research integrates emotional intelligence with communication pedagogy, focusing on practical public relations strategies and leadership development in higher education. She examines classroom dynamics to cultivate student engagement through collaborative learning environments, bridging journalism theory with real-world application in student media production.
Her 2022 publication on classroom camaraderie exemplifies her commitment to innovative teaching methodologies, emphasizing community-building techniques that enhance educational outcomes in communication disciplines. This work reflects broader trends in her scholarship prioritizing student-centered learning and professional skill development.
Advising and Professional Activities:
- Mentored Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chrissie Thompson Fink
- Guided PRSSA students in award-winning campaigns including Shop the Loop and Winter Formal
- Trained students in grant proposal writing resulting in funded projects
- Oversees yearbook production as faculty advisor
She maintains active collaboration with students through experiential learning initiatives that connect classroom theory with community engagement, fostering professional development across communication specializations.
