Becky McDonald

Becky McDonald, Associate Professor of Journalism
Department of Journalism

Educational Background
Ph.D. Communication Studies, The Ohio State University, 1987
M.A. Communication Studies, Marshall University, 1979
B.A. News Editorial Journalism, Marshall University, 1978

Professional Experience
McDonald joined the Ball State University faculty in August 1988. Prior to her arrival, McDonald worked as the Assistant Director of Communication and Marketing and Executive of Publications at The Ohio Dental Association from 1985 to 1988.

Research/Creative/Publication Interests
Her fields of professional specialization are public relations, journalism, and communications studies.

Research/Creative/Publication Career Highlights
McDonald wrote two refereed publications, Social Movements and Public Relations and Sports Promotion. She also wrote a peer-reviewed article titled “Strain” for the Encyclopedia of Public Relations. She has authored or co-authored and presented more than 20 refereed papers at meetings and conferences.

McDonald has served on numerous university committees including University Senate, University Promotion and Tenure Committee, the Search Committee for Dean of Graduate School, and the CCIM Marketing Committee. McDonald has demonstrated service to the Department of Journalism by serving on the Graduate Committee, Undergraduate Policies Committee, Promotion and Tenure Committee, Student Activities Committee, and Department Culture Committee. She has also served the community and state by serving as a member of the statewide public relations network for Indiana Special Olympics from 1995 to 2001.

Thesis/Creative Project Experience and Philosophy
McDonald has advised more than 30 theses and dissertations. She has been a part of 32 honors theses, serving as adviser on many of those.