Kelly Gaggin, who stepped into the role of Interim Director of the MSU Strategic Communication Online M.A. program this past fall, brings over 20 years of professional experience and a passion for teaching. She’s excited to guide the program through a period of growth, blending industry expertise with a student-centered approach to leadership. Gaggin’s collaborative leadership style focuses on empowering others and ensuring that both students and faculty have the tools they need to succeed.
Q: Can you share a little about your background and what led you to this role as Interim Director of the Strategic Communication Online M.A. Program?
A: The right place at the right time, if I’m being honest! I’ve been a strategic communication professional for over 20 years, and a professor and researcher for more than a decade. Throughout my career, I’ve realized that the most fulfilling moments come when I can merge my professional expertise with educational opportunities. When I was approached about this role, it was a very easy "yes." I get to balance my day with everything from budget meetings to one-on-one sessions with students about their careers and industry trends.
Q: What excites you most about leading the MSU Strategic Communication program during this transitional period?
A: I’m thrilled to combine my professional experience in building partnerships and industry relationships with my passion for developing a curriculum that sets Spartans up for success. I’m focused on ensuring our current and future students not only meet their learning goals but also fulfill their professional aspirations.
Q: What would you say is your leadership philosophy, and how do you plan to apply it in this role?
A: My leadership philosophy is collaborative, impact-driven, and student-focused. I believe in empowering others through knowledge and providing the resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. I aim to inspire students and colleagues to confidently pursue their goals and continuously learn. I’ve been told my purpose is to help others shine, and that’s something I truly embrace. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than watching my team exceed their own expectations.
Q: How would you describe the current state of the MSU Strategic Communication Online M.A. program? What do you think is its greatest strength?
A: The program is strong, providing a solid foundation in data-driven communication strategies. It’s well-positioned to keep up with the ever-evolving demands of the communication industry. The greatest strength of the program lies in its balance between academic rigor and real-world application. This, combined with Michigan State’s stellar faculty, resources, and excellent reputation, makes the program a strong contender in the online education space.
Q: What are some of the unique challenges you anticipate in leading an online program, and how do you plan to address them?
A: The strategic communication field is evolving rapidly, and to stay fresh and relevant, we need to ensure our curriculum provides immediately applicable skills for students. Flexibility and openness to change are key in this environment. We’ll be gathering data from industry professionals and using market insights to refine and enhance our curriculum.
Another challenge is the increasing competition in the online program space. It’s crucial to differentiate Spartan StratCom as the leader in the field, ensuring it remains the best choice for prospective students. We also want to explore how to offer specializations and micro-credentials that align with industry needs, drawing on the depth of expertise MSU already offers. Lastly, understanding the varying engagement preferences of our graduate students, given their diverse demographics, is essential. We plan to use existing data to guide consistent communication and meet these varied expectations.
Q: In your view, what are the most important skills or areas of knowledge that today’s students need to develop to be successful strategic communicators?
A: While trends in the industry evolve quickly, there are a few timeless skills I believe are essential for success in strategic communication. First, storytelling is key—whether you’re a communication professional or even a CFO, everything comes down to a story. Strong business acumen is another must-have. Understanding how every part of an organization fits together helps you communicate effectively. Lastly, data literacy and the ability to make data-driven decisions are critical. Knowing what data is needed and how to use it to refine strategies is a fundamental skill for any communication professional.
Read Kelly Gaggin’s full bio here.
The Strategic Communication Online M.A. program at Michigan State University is an asynchronous, 100% online graduate degree designed to enhance your digital communications in all its forms demands to be integrated strategically in advertising, public relations and media. Learn more / Apply.