معرفی
Rhana Gittens Wheeler serves as Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Oglethorpe University, concurrently holding leadership roles as Director of the Rich Foundation Urban Leadership Program and Program Coordinator for African American Studies. Her scholarly work centers on critical rhetoric and cultural studies, examining intersections of identity, public memory, spatial dynamics, and media representation in American urban contexts.
Her academic credentials include:
- B.S. in Journalism from the University of Florida
- M.B.A. from the University of Florida
- Ph.D. in Communication from Georgia State University
Dr. Wheeler's research interrogates how marginalized communities, particularly African Americans, navigate and reshape public spheres through aesthetic and rhetorical practices. She investigates cultural gentrification, media representation, and resistance strategies in urban environments, with significant focus on Atlanta's evolving social landscapes. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with community engagement, emphasizing the role of space and place in identity formation.
Her publication trajectory reveals consistent exploration of race, gender, and spatial politics through critical rhetorical lenses. Recent works analyze Black public sphere reconstruction, Afrofuturist aesthetics in political discourse, and rhetorical responses to systemic oppression, demonstrating interdisciplinary reach across communication, urban studies, and African American scholarship.
Recognition for her contributions includes:
- Strategic Initiative Grant from Oglethorpe University (2023)
- Provost’s Dissertation Fellowship from Georgia State University (2020)
- Award for Outstanding Achievement in Graduate Studies (2019)
- National Communication Association Doctoral Honors Seminar participation (2017)
- Multiple departmental graduate assistantships (2016-2020)
Through the Rich Foundation Urban Leadership Program and African American Studies coordination, Dr. Wheeler mentors students in community leadership and critical discourse analysis. Her grant portfolio demonstrates institutional support for research on urban development and cultural representation, reflecting her dual commitment to scholarly inquiry and practical community engagement.
