Susan McFarlane-Alvarez
Bio
Susan McFarlane-Alvarez, Ph.D. (Georgia State University, 2006) is a Professor of Advertising at Michigan State University's Department of Advertising and Public Relations. Her research focuses at the intersection of identity, images, and corporate expression. McFarlane-Alvarez explores how engaged pedagogical strategies build pathways of access between academia and professional advertising and PR practice. With academic experience spanning three decades, McFarlane-Alvarez has taught and researched at the University of the West Indies, Georgia State University, and Clayton State University.
Alongside her academic career, McFarlane-Alvarez spent 27 years actively involved in the persuasion industries as a creative director with 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 spans markets from North to South America. Through research and classroom practice, Suzy focuses on affordable learning and on broadening access to advertising education and professional practice.
Roles
• Professor of Advertising and Public Relations
• Director, Communication Solutions for a Diverse Society.
• Faculty Advisor, 42PointSEVEN Student Integrated Communication Agency
• Advertising Internship Coordinator
Research and Teaching
Advertising and identity
Moving image representations
Postcoloniality and national identity
Racial reckoning and social activism in corporate expression
Pedagogy, diversity and inclusion