Renita Coleman

Renita Coleman is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin's School of Journalism and Media, where she has taught since 2005 after achieving tenure in 2009. With expertise in agenda-setting theory, visual communication, and media ethics, she has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles and two influential books: 'Designing Experiments for the Social Sciences' (2018) and 'The Moral Media' (2005). Her research examines how visual elements shape ethical reasoning and public perception in news media.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Journalism, University of Missouri (2001)
• M.A. in Journalism, University of Missouri (1997)
• B.S. in Journalism, University of Florida (1979)

Coleman's research program centers on the intersection of visual communication and moral decision-making in journalism. She investigates how photographs influence ethical reasoning among journalists, the framing of health news through visual elements, and racial dynamics in journalistic ethics. Her work employs experimental methods to analyze affective agenda-setting, where emotional responses to visual stimuli shape public priorities. This approach bridges communication theory with practical journalism ethics.

Recent publications reveal intensifying focus on polarization mechanisms, climate change communication, and fact-checking efficacy. Coleman's scholarship increasingly examines how adaptive framing strategies overcome audience resistance, particularly regarding scientific consensus issues. Her methodological rigor in experimental design provides robust evidence for how visual and emotional elements drive media effects beyond traditional textual analysis.

Professor Coleman has received extensive recognition for scholarly excellence:

• Multiple AEJMC top paper awards across divisions (2002-2014)
• Teacher of the Year at LSU (2002-2004)
• Ranked #1 for AEJMC convention productivity (1999-2008)

She teaches doctoral seminars in qualitative methods and experimental design while mentoring graduate students in visual communication and ethics research. As associate editor of Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, she shapes scholarly discourse in the field. Though specific grant funding isn't detailed in available materials, her sustained publication record demonstrates consistent research activity. Coleman's background as a 15-year newspaper professional (including roles at the Raleigh News & Observer and Orlando Sentinel) informs her applied research perspective.