Susan McFarlane-Alvarez
Bio
Susan McFarlane-Alvarez, Ph.D. (Georgia State University, 2006) 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 personnel experiences, agency contexts and the material realities of creative production, and how these inform expressions of identity in ads. With academic experience spanning three decades, McFarlane-Alvarez is also focused on engaged pedagogical strategies that build pathways of access between academia and professional ad and PR practice, and 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
