This June, the College of Communication Arts and Sciences will welcome Teresa Mastin, Ph.D. as its new Chair of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations.
Prior to accepting her new position, Mastin was the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She completed her Ph.D. from ComArtSci in ’98 and was a professor in the college from ’03 to ’08, reaching tenure in ’06.
“It’s like coming home,” said Mastin. “I told the Ph.D. students, it was almost 25 years ago that I was sitting where they are and I would never have thought I would come back as the Chair of the Department.”
Mastin’s research focuses on communication potential, particularly in disadvantaged populations. Specifically, in addition to working with disadvantaged populations in Flint, MI and Chicago, she has also promoted the concept of media advocacy in Vietnam and in Rwanda and Kenya, where she served as a Fulbright specialist.
"I am delighted to welcome Teresa back to MSU in a leadership role and am looking forward to working with her,” said Prabu David, Dean of ComArtSci. “She is a true Spartan with the right mix of talents and experiences to lead one of the top advertising and public relations programs in the country. During the search, she presented an impressive vision for bringing out the best in our students and world-class faculty of researchers, creatives and industry professionals."
Born and raised in Tennessee, Mastin has taken her love of learning across the country. From Southern California, to East Lansing and on to Chicago – she is no stranger to following her passion.
“I can’t imagine not being in a situation where I'm not constantly learning or constantly helping others learn, that I’m not helping promote the importance of education and the tremendous difference that it makes,” said Mastin.
Due to her past experience as a faculty member and student in the college, Mastin feels she is fully capable of understanding and creating a balanced, inclusive environment that supports both students and faculty in their work.
“When we invite someone here, when we accept them, we say that you can be successful here and we’re committed to making that happen or to help you make that happen. That’s what I want to be a part of,” said Mastin.
Mastin earned an undergraduate degree from Ambassador College in Pasadena, California, a Master’s degree in public relations from California State University, Fullerton and a PH.D. in mass media from Michigan State University.
By Nikki W. O'Meara