Susan McFarlane-Alvarez

Susan McFarlane-Alvarez, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations in Michigan State University. Her research focuses at the intersection of identity, images, and corporate expression. McFarlane-Alvarez considers ideological links that underpin the material and historical realities of creative production, and how these inform expressions of identity in ads. Susan's research is published as peer-reviewed articles in Journal of Advertising Education, Caribbean Educational Research Journal, Advertising and Society Review, Howard Journal of Communication, and Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship. She has also co-edited a book published by Kendall Hunt, titled, Different Together. Her recent research explores the interrelatedness of inclusion and sustainability during times defined by (poly)crisis. With academic experience spanning three decades, McFarlane-Alvarez is also focused on engaged pedagogical strategies that build pathways of access between academia, professional advertising and public relations practice. She has also taught and researched at the University of the West Indies, Georgia State University, and Clayton State University.

Alongside her academic career, McFarlane-Alvarez has remained actively involved in the persuasion industries as a writer, then creative director with agencies including All Media Projects, and Hernandez/Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB), then a consultant to a diverse array of clients. Her work spans industries including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, training, and tourism, and includes markets from North to South America. Through research and classroom practice, she focuses on affordable learning and on broadening access to advertising education and professional practice.

• Professor of Advertising and Public Relations

• Director, Communication Solutions for a Diverse Society.

• Faculty Advisor, 42PointSEVEN Student Integrated Communication Agency

• Co-Director, Study Abroad. PR in the UK.

Advertising and identity

Moving image representations

Advertising, public relations, and sustainability

Strategic communication, access, and inclusion