Tricia M. Farwell

Dr. Tricia M. Farwell serves as an Associate Professor of Advertising and Public Relations within the School of Journalism and Strategic Media at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where she has been a faculty member since 2008. She currently holds leadership positions as Advertising Concentration Head and School of Journalism Internship Coordinator.

Her educational background includes a comprehensive academic journey at Arizona State University, where she earned her BA (1994), concurrent MA and MMC (1998), and PhD (2004). Prior to joining MTSU, Dr. Farwell taught public relations at Arizona State University and advertising/public relations at Morehead State University, bringing over 17 years of corporate communications experience to her academic role.

• PHD, Arizona State University (2004)
• MA, Arizona State University (1998)
• MMC, Arizona State University (1998)
• BA, Arizona State University (1994)

Dr. Farwell's research focuses on gender representation in advertising, advertising pedagogy, and the intersection of Edith Wharton's war writing with media coverage of WWI. Her scholarly work extends to examining online communities in craftivism, particularly addressing claims of racism within knitting communities. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes integrating practical application with theoretical foundations, believing that separating practice from theory would be like sailing without a compass.

Analysis of her publications reveals a strong emphasis on educational technology applications in communication education, particularly examining social media platforms like Twitter and blogging as pedagogical tools. Her research consistently bridges traditional advertising/public relations concepts with emerging digital communication strategies, demonstrating how foundational principles adapt to evolving media landscapes.

Her scholarly contributions have been recognized through numerous awards including the Edward Kimbrell Excellence in Teaching Journalism Award (2012) and multiple Outstanding Adviser Awards from the College of Mass Communication (2012, 2013). Student teams under her guidance have achieved national recognition in advertising competitions, securing first place in the ANGA Collegiate Energy Challenge (2013) and General Motors Southeast Regional Scholastic Achievement Awards (2008).

• Faculty for ADV 4250 team Honorable Mention in Intent to Prevent (2021)
• Faculty for ADV 4170 team First Place in ANGA Collegiate Energy Challenge (2013)
• Outstanding Adviser Award, College of Mass Communication (2013)
• Edward Kimbrell Excellence in Teaching Journalism Award (2012)
• Outstanding Adviser Award, College of Mass Communication (2012)
• Faculty for ADV 4170 team First Place in GM Southeast Regional Awards (2008)

Dr. Farwell has secured significant research funding through MTSU's President's Commission on the Status of Women (2009, 2011), a Public Service Grant co-authored with Dr. Joonghwa Lee (2012), and special funding from EdVenture Partners for the advertising concentration. Her service to the university includes serving as Recording Secretary for the MTSU Faculty Senate (2013-2014) and previously as Senate representative for the School of Journalism. She actively mentors students through advertising campaigns courses and has developed several specialized courses including 'Issues in Advertising: Sexuality and Gender' and 'Interactive Advertising and Social Media'.