Many courses are taught by adjunct professors (professionals in their field who teach on a part-time or course-by-course basis). The following professors are teaching in the Department of Public Relations.

Ian W. Bailey

Ian Bailey brings thirty years of global communications and public relations experience to his role as Adjunct Faculty, spanning financial and corporate communications, investor relations, crisis and issues management, internal communications, corporate responsibility, community affairs, and consumer public relations.

He currently serves as Chief Communications Officer for the American Cancer Society, leading its integrated communications team to support the organization’s goal of improving the lives of cancer patients and their families. Ian was previously Senior Vice President, Communications and Community at Qurate Retail Group, a Fortune 500, multi-brand retailer and, prior to Qurate, he was Vice President, Head of Communications and Public Relations with global lifestyle brand company, Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

His agency experience includes national practice area and major market leadership roles in the US and UK with Weber Shandwick, Hill & Knowlton and Financial Dynamics (now FTI Consulting), and as co-founder and managing partner of an independent strategic communications consulting firm, Capital C Partners.

He holds a master’s degree in communications with a certificate in crisis communications from Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication, and a bachelor’s degree in German with management studies from King’s College, University of London.

Nicole Bodlak

Nicole is a Florida native with over 24 years in the public relations, marketing and business development fields. Her career experience includes sports marketing, fundraising, directing events, physician management, healthcare administration and entrepreneurship.

Nicole received her bachelor’s degree in journalism with a concentration in public relations and advertising from the University of Central Florida. She received her MBA from Nova Southeastern University.

Keith Bowermaster

UF alum Keith Bowermaster, APR has spent 30 years as a communicator working with some of the largest health systems in South Florida and Atlanta, as well as healthcare brands across the globe, developing and implementing strategic communication plans and initiatives.

An expert in crisis communications and issue management, Keith has also supported companies through hundreds of situations, including natural disasters, mass shooting, sudden (forced) departure of key executives and layoffs, improper medical care/treatment, employee misconduct/arrests, and more.

Based in Atlanta, Keith currently serves as an SVP with Coyne PR, a leading independent firm headquartered in NJ.

Patricia Caballero

Patricia (Patty) Caballero specializes in communication strategies that drive business results and corporate reputation. Her experience includes corporate communications, marketing, product public relations, public affairs, crisis and issues management. She leads PSC Consulting, a consultancy that assists scaling companies build and communicate their stories.

She has held senior positions in corporate and agency environments, working with Fortune 500 companies, government entities and strategic partners. Prior to her own consultancy, Patty was Managing Director, U.S. Business Development for Burson-Marsteller, one of the largest communication agencies in the world. She was also Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications at greyhealth group (ghg) where she led the corporate communications practice and was responsible for growing client business. Before joining ghg, she worked at Cigna as Director of Marketing, where she specialized in managing consumer and B2B sponsorships, developing activations and events to help position Cigna with key stakeholders. She also served as Director of Public Relations, managing the development and implementation of public relations programs, issues management and serving as a company spokesperson.

She earned her B.A., Communications from American University and her MBA from the American University Kogod School of Business Administration.

Lawrence Clark

Lawrence Clark is a no-nonsense communicator, having guided top Fortune CEOs, markets and business leaders to successful strategies and solutions. His MBA in finance and marketing enables him to help students from an experienced integrated marketing communications perspective. He has a lifetime of professional communications experience from newspaper journalist and editor through traditional business publications and presentations, to counsel in nonprofit, petroleum, industrial, financial, bioscience and entrepreneurial public relations industries. He has many years of social media and internet development, including web design and content. Lawrence has taught graduate and undergraduate communications at UM, FIU and UF since 2012.

Jeannie Clary

Jeannie Clary graduated from UF in 2003 with a B.S. in Public Relations with a Specialization in Business. As an independent consultant based in Clearwater, Florida, Jeannie has provided strategic communications expertise and works as an integrated team member within agencies and corporations around the country. She has garnered top-tier results for clients in strategic planning, media relations, crisis communications, social media and content development. Prior to starting her consultancy, Jeannie served on account teams at Weber Shandwick and boutique agencies in Atlanta and Tampa, and served in-house directing all U.S. public relations efforts for global insurance solutions provider Crawford & Company.

She teaches PUR4940, the Gator Club Internship course which focuses on social media. She currently serves as Chair of the UF Public Relations Advisory Council.

Gregory Davis

A double gator, earning his bachelor’s in public relations and master’s in mass communication from the College of Journalism and Communications, Greg has been a public relations practitioner for over ten years.

Working primarily in government and non-profit public relations roles, Greg’s experience expands into several fields within the industry, specifically military, mental health, and education communication organizations.

Greg currently serves as the Communications Manager for the Marion County Public School District. He is actively involved in professional development organizations such as the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), the Sunshine State Public Relations Association (SUNSPRA), and the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), where he is the current President-Elect.

Tishawna Dawson

Tishawna Dawson currently works within the federal government, where she has held several leadership positions.  She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of public policy, administration and public relations within the government.  As a former federal manager, she provided direction and leadership to her staff of 50 employees.  She managed the operations of a module to ensure the work met all established goals.

She is also the Founder and CEO of Shining Star Educational Services, LLC, a company that provides quality tutoring services. She has developed and managed educational programs for her corporation as well as for several institutions in Alabama including museums and schools in the Birmingham and Montgomery areas.

Tishawna holds a B.S in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Masters of Public Administration degree from Auburn University Montgomery.

Craig Dezern

Craig Dezern is Senior Vice President & Global Head Communications at Hilton, leading the global team responsible for protecting and elevating Hilton’s reputation, driving consumer and brand communications, inspiring and engaging Team Members, and connecting owners and other stakeholders with Hilton’s purpose and business goals.

Before joining Hilton, Dezern spent more than 20 years as a communications leader at the Walt Disney Company. Prior to that, Dezern was an award-winning journalist for The Orlando Sentinel, earning national accolades for feature writing, environmental reporting and public service.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Dezern earned a BA from Western Kentucky University, and an MSL from Yale Law School.

Kristi Dosh

Kristi Dosh is a former practicing attorney who is now a sports business contributor for Forbes and the founder of BusinessofCollegeSports.com and the Business of College Sports podcast. She has written on the business of college sports for more than a decade for outlets such as ESPN, The Washington Post, and Sports Business Journal. Kristi is also the author of business of college football book, Saturday Millionaires: How Winning Football Builds Winning Colleges. Kristi founded the PR agency Guide My Brand in 2015, where she worked with solopreneurs and nonfiction authors until selling the agency in 2022.

Robert Engle

Rob Engle is president of Engle & Co. Based in the Washington, D.C. area, the company provides creative public relations strategies.

Prior to forming Engle & Co., Engle served as a press secretary and legislative aide to Senator Paula Hawkins (Fla.), Congressman Dan Mica (Fla.), and Congressman Don Ritter (Pa.).

Engle’s company provides public relations counsel to a number of leading firms and organizations involved in public affairs, high tech, real estate, construction, development, consumer goods, and finance.

He holds a master’s degree from Harvard University and undergraduate degree in journalism/public relations from the University of Florida.

Maria Esterline

Maria Esterline is an adjunct lecturer for the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. She was previously an Instructional Designer for the Center of Innovation and Production developing and supporting online courses for the University of Florida from 2017 to 2019. Her work before coming to UF was teaching in K-12 with experience in technology integration.

Maria graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education. She earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Butler University as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Indiana University.

She is currently teaching VIC3001: Sight, Sound, and Motion.

Ann Fahey-Widman

Ann Fahey-Widman, APR, is president and CEO of Monarch Communications, LLC, a communications consulting and media/messaging coaching firm. A nationally award-winning communications practitioner, Ann has more than 30 years of experience developing and leading strategic corporate communications and reputation management programs for FORTUNE 500 companies, as well as for associations and non-profit organizations. She spent the last 15+ years managing corporate communications efforts for major health care/pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer/Hospira, Medline and Abbott. She has also led communications efforts for consumer packaged goods brands including for the iconic Kellogg Company.

JaKera Felton

JaKera graduated from UGA in 2018 with a B.A. in public relations and subsequently earned her MAMC in public relations from UF in 2023. She was also awarded the PR News’ 2023 Graduate Student of the Year award for her commitment to excellence in PR.

Utilizing her tech expertise, Kera spearheads strategic communication for Federal IT and advanced-tech companies. She is currently a PR account manager and offers strategic guidance to internal tech marketing and communications teams.

Kera’s academic research addresses modern communication challenges, as seen through her studies on cancer patient behavior and the impact of artificial intelligence in public relations. She has also studied PR in various parts of Asia, including Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo.

Kera teaches PUR3622, social media management and assists with PUR4100, PR writing.

Indee Freas

Indee Freas is a strategic marketing and communications professional with over 20+ years’ experience, specializing in brand management, strategic campaign development, integrated advertising campaigns, sales and consumer promotions, sponsorships, public relations and customer- directed programs.  Much of her experience has been with big box retailers such as Sport Authority, Office Depot and A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts where she has become proficient in analyzing national and local trends while enhancing consumer perception and response.  Currently, she is a Sr. Regional Marketing Manager for Publix Super Markets, focused on innovation and maximizing marketing initiatives to enhance brand loyalty and profitability.

Indee is a graduate of Florida State University with her B.A. in English with an emphasis in Business and Master’s Degree in Communication.  She has a passion for helping students and professionals communicate effectively their goals and objectives to small and large audiences to meet business and corporate objectives.

Lori Gibbons

Lori Gibbons has been a professional designer for 15 years and has had the privilege of working with clients across the globe. As skilled design application, digital visualization, and visual storytelling are becoming more required in the workplace, Lori is thrilled to teach design theory and skill to students as an adjunct lecturer of Vision, Sight, and Sound for the Department of Public Relations. Lori completed UF’s Master of Arts in Mass Communication degree program with a specialization in Web Design, has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of Georgia and works as a Web Developer for UF’s Center for Online Innovation & Production. In addition to her daily grind of designing and developing websites, creating graphic designs and editing videos, Lori takes on freelance work for clients in need of branding and online presence.

Robyn Hankerson-Printemps

Robyn Hankerson-Printemps is a strategic communications professional with 15 years of experience in public relations and marketing. She is currently a Community Relations Manager for Publix Super Markets, covering the east coast of Florida from Monroe to Brevard County.

Robyn, a UF graduate, has extensive experience in community and university relations. Prior to her role at Publix, she was the Public Information Officer for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and the Director of Communications and Media Relations at Johnson and Wales University, where she created communications strategies to enhance and ensure consistency of the university’s brand and image through traditional public relations efforts, social media engagement and marketing initiatives.

Fred Hawrysh

Fred Hawrysh is an award-winning international communications consultant, whose career has spanned six continents and campaigns in more than 50 countries.

A Canadian, Fred began his career as a print journalist. Joining Burson-Masteller (BCW), he held several roles, culminating in his appointment as Chief Client Officer. Fred was later appointed CEO of the firm’s global conflict agency. He specialized in financial and crisis communications leading landmark privatizations, the first Russian IPO and issues management for Tesla.

Fred also worked in-house as Accenture’s Global Head of Corporate Communications and Thomson Reuters’ Global Head of Corporate Affairs.

During his career, Fred has been based in Vancouver, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, The Hague, New York, San Francisco and now Northern Florida.

Lauri Hennessey

Lauri Hennessey has more than three decades of expertise in public interest communications, political advocacy, nonprofit leadership, media and public relations and more, including work on Capitol Hill, at Edelman Public Relations and in nonprofit leadership in the Northwest.  She is currently the Executive Director of a nonprofit in Seattle, and finds time to serve as an adjunct at UF, Seattle University and University of Washington. She went back to school and completed her BA at University of Washington at the age of 57 and received her Master of Mass Communications from UF at the age of 59, with a focus on Public Interest Communications. The mother of three grown children, her passion is teaching young people how to harness communications to change the world.

Lainey Johnson

Lainey Johnson, MBA, is an award-winning marketing and communications expert who has demonstrated a strong track record of helping clients build meaningful brand reputations. Through both agency and in-house marketing and communications roles at organizations such as Hill & Knowlton, McDonald’s USA and Ernst & Young, she has helped companies establish their voices with strategic messaging and positioning through traditional and digital vehicles. As the lines of PR continue to evolve and shift, she is thrilled to bring her real-life experience as a current practitioner straight to the classroom.

Liudmila Khalitova

Liudmila Khalitova was born and raised in Voronezh, Russia. She received her B.A. and M.A. in Public Relations from Voronezh State University, and a Ph. D from the University of Florida. She currently works as a media insights manager for a public relations consulting company Cision. Prior to joining Cision, she worked as a public relations manager for an internet service provider. She also has experience in political public relations, social media management, and event management. Her research interests include international public relations, public diplomacy, and public relations measurement.

As an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Public Relations, College of Journalism and Communication she teaches International Public Relations.

Charles Kingsbury

Chuck currently works as Director, Communications at WWE, where he assists with publicizing key business partnerships and organizational initiatives. He previously worked for HBO Sports where he oversaw publicity campaigns for a variety of shows and documentaries, including “Tiger,” “Diego Maradona” and “Hard Knocks.”

Chuck began his career in communications as an undergraduate volunteer at the University of Florida Athletic Association. He spent two seasons in the NFL (San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets) as a communications assistant before joining NBC Sports Group in 2017, where he helped publicize high-profile properties such as Super Bowl LII and the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Chuck graduated from UF with a B.S. in Journalism and a M.S. in Sport Management from the College of Health and Human Performance.

Larry Krutchik

Larry Krutchik is an award-winning communications expert with 30+ years of experience, including six years as an attorney.

Based in Los Angeles, Larry serves as Executive Vice President at Hill&Knowlton, a global public relations agency, where he is a member of the US management team, California market leader, and Leadership Communications practice leader. In those roles, Larry counsels clients, mentors colleagues, and provides media and presentation coaching for c-suite executives and brand spokespersons.”

A “Double Gator,” Larry holds a BSBA degree, with Honors, and Juris Doctor, with Honors, from UF. He teaches PUR4243: Media Training as well as Listening + Leadership.

Rena Langley

Rena Langley is the senior vice president of Communications and Public Affairs for Walt Disney World Resort. This encompasses several departments including public relations, government relations and corporate citizenship. In addition, Rena leads internal communications for more than 64,000 Walt Disney World Cast Members.

Rena has been with Disney for 24 years and has also led public affairs for Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club and Adventures by Disney. She graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and started her career as a newspaper reporter before pursuing a career in the public relations and public affairs arena.

Celeste Martinez

Celeste’s career in marketing and communications began in 1996 and includes shopping center management and consumer goods marketing at Gillette and Colgate. In 2004, she founded her own company, Buzzworthy Inc.

She is a graduate of Loyola University with a B.A. in communications and earned a Master’s Degree in Communications with a Specialization in Social Media at UF.

She has contributed as a writer to digital media platforms, including Trecebits, We Are Social Media, Social Media Today and HuffPost.

She is a keynote speaker at events hosted by PRSA, Sales and Marketing Association Puerto Rico (SME) and EXMA in Colombia.

Debbie Mason

Debbie Mason’s 35+ years of experience in management of brand, communications, marketing, sales, philanthropic development, advocacy and planning spans the sectors of agency, corporate experience at local, regional and national levels prior her transition to the nonprofit and consulting sectors. As President of Strategists, Inc., Debbie is passionate about guiding organizations to achieve greater effectiveness through training and consultation in governance, development, branding, marketing, public relations, planning, organizational development and research counsel.

As both a volunteer and as a paid strategist, Debbie has led strategy to pass more than half dozen referendums in various communities in which she has lived in Florida, creating Tourist Development Councils, Children’s Services Councils and preserving land for parks and recreation purposes

Debbie earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations/Journalism from the University of Florida, where she has served as an adjunct professor and twice served as chairman of the Public Relations Advisory Council of the College of Journalism and Communications. She earned a master’s degree in communications management from Syracuse University.

Sasha Matar

Sasha is an adjunct lecturer at the College of Journalism and Communications. Graduating from UF with a Master’s in Mass Communications (Public Relations), Sasha is a seasoned educator with three years of teaching experience and TA roles in courses like PR Ethics, Principles of PR, and Sports Communication. And more than 5 years of experience in the Communication, PR, and Media world. Originally an international student from Lebanon, she’s fluent in Arabic, English, French, and conversational Russian. With a dynamic career spanning luxury brand PR in Dubai, she earned the CJC Certificate of Outstanding Merit in Fall 2021. Currently, Sasha is an Operations and Communications Manager in a Virginia Beach construction firm, bringing her diverse expertise to the online classroom.

Steve McClain

A 34-year veteran of the Florida Athletic Department staff who has served as communication leads for eight different sports, but spent 18 seasons as communication director for the football program. He has worked closely with all units in the department to coordinate internal and external messaging and now focuses on strategic communication strategies. He has also administrative oversight of men’s tennis and Gatorvision, the broadcast unit that collaborates with the SEC Network and ESPN, while also serving as liaison with sponsorship partners. He also works closely with the departments Name, Image and Likeness efforts. McClain is a graduate of Syracuse and was a four-year letter winner on the swim team, earning All-Big East honors as a freshman.

Sunita Menon

Sunita is a global business transformation executive who has masterfully connected data and technology with people and process to achieve strategic business results for over 25 years, across India and US. Sunita led IBM’s business transformation efforts by designing and implementing enterprise data strategy and governance to enable cross-functional business insights for client advocacy and revenue growth.  She nurtures data-driven talent and mindsets across global teams to achieve superior business outcomes. Sunita’s a natural storyteller and can’t resist bringing storytelling into her work.

In her current role as the Global Data Ambassador for KPMG International, Sunita is driving global data strategies and culture as the critical enabler for KPMG’s business transformation. Sunita holds an Executive MBA from University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree from Bangalore University in India and currently teaches data-driven strategies and data storytelling at UF.

Kristen Mondshein

Kristen Mondshein is a publicist who currently operates her own public relations consultancy. She brings over 10 years of experience working with top tier brands and agencies. Kristen received a dual bachelor’s degree in PR and psychology and also a minor in marketing from the University of Miami. She also received her master’s degree in PR and corporate communications from Georgetown University. Kristen is especially knowledgeable about what it takes to stand out as a publicist in today’s age and develop strong relationships with the media to ensure a standout reputation. Kristen teaches PUR4932 – Media Relations.

Peter Nasca, APR

Peter Nasca is a senior-level public relations practitioner with extensive experience in multiple disciplines of the profession.

He has worked with many Fortune 500 and entrepreneurial companies throughout his career. Before starting his agency in 1984, he was vice president and partner of a medium-sized Miami-based agency. He was president of one of the Southeast’s largest public relations firms.

An accredited Public Relations Society (PRSA) member, he is the former president of the organization’s Miami Chapter. He has twice served as a judge in the prestigious national PRSA Anvil Awards.

He began his career in journalism in New York Radio as a reporter/news director. He spent four years at an NBC-TV affiliate as a general assignment reporter and anchor, winning several awards for journalistic excellence.

A graduate of the University of Bridgeport, Nasca is listed in Who’s Who in the South and Southwest and Who’s Who Among Outstanding Business Executives. He has lectured in public relations at the University of Florida, the University of Miami, Florida International University, and Nova Southeastern University.

Joe Newman

Joe Newman has spent the past 15 years in Washington, D.C., as a public interest communicator in the areas of government transparency, ethics and accountability. Currently, he is helping launch the iWitness Institute for Visual Journalism at Florida International University where they will tell the stories of democracy, climate change and immigration – among other topics – in Latin America and the Caribbean.

During the 2020 presidential election, he worked at ReThink Media where he helped advocacy organizations develop data-driven communication strategies to protect, strengthen and expand our freedom to vote. Prior to that, he led media strategy at the Project On Government Oversight.

He also works as an independent visual storyteller, organizing photography workshops and helping organizations and brands tell impactful stories. Before moving to D.C., he spent several years as a reporter and editor at the Orlando Sentinel, St. Petersburg Times and Palm Beach Post.

He is a graduate of the UF College of Journalism and Communications

Allyson Park

Allyson is a transformative C-suite senior executive with an international career spanning from the U.S. to U.K. and E.U., China, Asia, India, Brazil, Mexico and Africa. Her unique expertise lies at the intersection of her cross-functional global leadership of Corporate Affairs, Sustainability, Strategic Initiatives, Portfolio Renovation, Purpose and Call/Customer Centers for some of the most iconic billion-dollar brands in the world.

Allyson has held Global Vice President roles for Mars Wrigley, Mars Chocolate and The Coca-Cola Company. In 2014 she was recognized by The University of Florida College of Journalism & Communications as an Alumni of Distinction.

Tyler Rutstein

Tyler Rutstein is a creative brand marketing and merchandising executive. He is currently the Chief Brand Officer at Overtime/OTE and resides in New York City.

Prior to Overtime, Tyler worked for adidas for 9 years in various roles in marketing, merchandising and Brand Strategy based both in the US and Europe.

Tyler is currently teaching PUR4932, Sports Branding. Tyler grew up in Sunrise, FL and graduated from the University of Florida in 2011 with a Bachelors of Science in Journalism.

Leticia Solaun, Ph.D.

Dr. Leticia Solaun has more than 25 years of experience leading, developing, implementing and providing senior review on communications/public relations projects and programs, social/socio-economic impact assessments, and stakeholder engagement initiatives in more than 40 countries. Her sector experience includes agricultural, transportation (ports, highways, and transit), environmental and natural resource management, traditional extractive and renewable energy, remediation, sustainability, textile, and water/wastewater projects. Dr. Solaun serves as a subject matter expert and advisor to large multi-national corporations and lending and equity financing institutions, public sector organizations, and international development organizations, including the Inter-American Development Bank, United Nations, USAID, and World Bank/International Finance Corporation (IFC). She brings extensive experience conducting sustainable finance assessments for lenders, equity investors, and project sponsors, and implementing communication and engagement programs compliant with international best practices (IFC/World Bank Standards and Equator Principles).

Ty Stude

Ty Stude has focused his career in both the education and professional fields of advertising, marketing, and communications. After working with large-scale clients and agencies, Ty began to return to the world of higher education giving back as an adjunct instructor.

Ty Stude received his MFA in advertising and his MS in integrated marketing communication. He has taught at several universities including University of Florida. He has experience specifically in the online education track of course development.

Ty is knowledgeable in all things marketing and communications related, focusing on innovation and advancement of integrated technologies.

Flavia Vigio

Prof. Flavia Vigio is a senior Communications professional, with 25+ years of experience in building and leading PR teams in the U.S., Latin America and Europe. Having started her career in Journalism, she later specialized in Public Relations, working on the business side — most recently as the EVP Communications for TelevisaUnivision, previously at WarnerMedia, HBO, and McDonald’s — as well as on the agency side, when she led Golin Miami & Latin America. She has lived in four countries and is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Prof. Vigio is currently on a sabbatical from Corporate work, dedicating her time to studying the implications of Artificial Intelligence in Communications.