There are many lists you see out there right now. What are the new trends to follow for 2016? What are the main things brands have to do on social media or virtual reality that will have an impact on their efforts next year?
I thought about doing a post like this, but I thought I’d go a different route entirely. As professors, we are actively busy grading finals and then we start all over again the next semester with new classes, preps, and students. However, we are all looking for people to follow, chat with, and learn from in variety of different circles.
Over the years, I have gotten a chance to meet some incredible professors who teach social media courses. I learn from each of them and how they approach their classes. They are definitely inspirations for me as a professor and I will make sure my #Freberg16 students follow their classtags for the next semester.
Here are some must follow professors who teach social media for 2016:
Matt Kushin
If you are not following Matt on Twitter or reading his blog on a daily basis, you are truly missing out on some innovative, exceptional and brilliant pieces of advice on assignments to incorporate into your social media classes. Matt is by far one of the best social media professors out there and he’s super generous with his materials. The work Matt produces is spectacular and so relevant – he’s doing an amazing job preparing his students for the constant changes we are seeing in the workplace.
Carolyn Mae Kim
Carolyn is also an exceptional researcher and professor in social media. Her dedication and forward thinking across the spectrum in PR is very impressive. Plus, she’s truly an amazing professor who is willing to share ideas, chat, and mentor others. I have learned SO much from Carolyn and she does everything – tearching, research, service, mentorship, and consulting!
Emily Kinsky
Emily is truly awesome – she’s always experimenting with new ideas and assignments, and she’s been generous in sharing her tips regarding how to incorporate live streaming into the classroom.
Kelli Matthews
I have to say, I am truly envious of the amazing speaker slide decks and visuals Kelli shares for her class! She does an amazing job not only creating truly beautiful presentations, but she’s doing an amazing job showcasing the strategic side of social media for her students.
Lisa Low
I had a chance to virtually meet Lisa for the very first time this past year and she’s great! Really providing her students at Texas Tech some awesome assignments and experiences. Definitely another one to look out for and see what she is doing in and out of the classroom.
Amber Hutchins
Amber is another established social media professor who provides great content, experiences, and networking opportunities for her students in her classes at Kennesaw State University.
Ai Zhang
If you want to see a professor who truly embraces everything about social media, make sure to follow Ai. She hosts Twitter chats, participates in conversations with fellow professionals, and opens the door for her students to participate as well in the conversation. Ai is very passionate about social media pedagogy and it definitely shows with her personality and enthusiasm online. We need more professors like Ai!
Diana Sisson
Diana is a new PhD and assistant professor in PR at Auburn University, and is already making a name for herself in the field. She taught social media for the first time this semester and her students were producing some amazing work. She’s definitely one to watch!
Nick Bowman
Nick is super engaged and forward thinking to tie in both theory and research into his social media classes at WVU. While he uses several platforms for engaged conversations with his students, he’s constantly active and present across all of them. He’s the master of successful time management – he truly does it all and it’s been awesome to see this both in person and online.
Melissa Janoske & Rowena Briones
What is awesome to see here are two professors who partner together and do cross university Twitter chats with their classes. How innovative and cool is that? Melissa and Rowena are always innovating with their teaching techniques and work with some other great professors (Julia and Stephanie) in their teaching research. Make sure to follow their classtags on Twitter.
Melissa Dodd
Melissa has been teaching social media for the past several years and constantly is engaged with the profession, research, and her students throughout the course. She’s also had her students also participate and engage in conversations with other students in other social media classes, which is pretty cool. Keep up the amazing work, Melissa!
William Ward
Of course, it wouldn’t be a social media professor list without the famous Dr. William Ward!! Bill is one of the best – and leading innovators and thought leaders – in social media strategy, pedagogy, and teaching. He’s definitely an inspiration and always current on the latest developments in the field and how to incorporate them into teaching.
So, as a summary, as you are looking at your syllabus for teaching a social media class next semester, you may want to reach out to these professors for advice, mentorship, and see what they are doing that’s working.
As a note, I know there are a TON of professors who are teaching social media at various universities. I’d love to connect with you all – we are all in the same page and I think the more the merrier here. We can all learn from each other. Let me know if there are others who should be added to the list.
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
