Faculty and Staff
Rick Bebout
Technology Specialist
M.S. (West Virginia University)
Rick Bebout leads the technology support for the Reed College of Media. He is responsible for supporting both the on-ground and online technology needs for faculty, staff, adjunct instructors and students.
Joel William Beeson
Professor
Ph.D. (Union Institute and University)
Joel William Beeson is a professor at the WVU Reed College of Media. Beeson’s research is informed by two decades of research in community media, digital humanities and documentary studies using emerging media.
Chuck Borghese
Harrison Omnicom Visiting Professor in Advertising
B.S. Journalism (Ohio University)
Chuck Borghese is the Harrison Omnicom Visiting Professor in Advertising at the College of Media. Prior to joining the College, he was the New York City group creative director at Merkley + Partners as well as a lecturer at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.
Bob Britten
Teaching Associate Professor
Ph.D. (University of Missouri-Columbia)
Dr. Bob Britten is an associate professor at the WVU Reed College of Media. Britten has been working in journalism and news design since his junior year of college, when he was “promoted” from movie reviewer to managing editor of his campus newspaper.
Valerie Burgess
Financial Manager
Valerie Burgess serves as the Financial Manager at the WVU Reed College of Media. Burgess joined the College in December 2013 and manages the financial and administrative functions of the College of Media. She works directly with the Dean to determine and oversee the financial objectives of the College.
Dana Coester
Associate Professor
M.A. (University of Missouri-Columbia)
dana.coester@mail.wvu.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Dana Coester is an associate professor at the WVU Reed College of Media and creative director for the College’s Media Innovation Center. Coester also serves as executive editor for the collaborative media outlet 100 Days in Appalachia.
Heather Cole
Teaching Assistant Professor
M.F.A. (Goddard College)
Heather Cole is a teaching assistant professor in the Interactive Design for Media program. As an interdisciplinary artist, Heather works and teaches in a variety of media. As of August 2019, she will be a member of the teaching faculty in the Reed College of Media at West Virginia University. Prior to that, she taught for Penn State University's Erie campus.
Rita Colistra
Associate Professor
Ph.D. (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Dr. Rita Colistra is an associate professor of public relations in the Reed College of Media. She returned to her home state in 2008, after earning her Ph.D. from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Roy H. Park Fellow. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Virginia University.
Brett Collins
Technology Coordinator
B.A.Tech. (West Virginia University at Parkersburg)
Brett Collins serves as the Technology Coordinator for the WVU Reed College of Media. He manages the network system, access issues and all computer maintenance and updates. Collins also is responsible for all audio-visual equipment and server access.
Emily Hughes Corio
Teaching Associate Professor
M.S.J. (West Virginia University)
Emily Hughes Corio joined the WVU Reed College of Media in August 2011 and teaches courses in audio and video storytelling and special topical reporting courses. In 2018 and 2019, she co-led a collaborative reporting project that brought together faculty and students from WVU and George Washington University. In 2019, the team focused on in-depth and explanatory reporting on the opioid epidemic's impact to children in West Virginia.
Shannon Cunningham
Special Events Coordinator for the Media Innovation Center
M.S. (West Virginia University)
As the Special Events Coordinator for the Media Innovation Center, Shannon Cunningham oversees the scheduling, set up and management needs for events hosted at the center. She also maintains the day-to-day classroom and operational needs.
Gina Martino Dahlia
Teaching Professor, Journalism Program Chair
M.S.J. (West Virginia University)
Gina Martino Dahlia is a Teaching Professor, the Managing Director of the Media Innovation Center, General Manager of 100 Days in Appalachia and the Journalism Program chair at the WVU Reed College of Media.
Jasper Fessmann
Visiting Assistant Professor
Ph.D. (University of Florida)
Dr. Jasper Fessmann is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Strategic Communications in the WVU Reed College of Media at West Virginia University and member of the WVU Public Interest Communications (PIC) Research Lab. He received his Ph.D. in Mass Communications from the University of Florida in 2018. Prior, he earned a Master of Science degree in Public Relations from Boston University (1998), and a dual Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts & Philosophy from Georgia Southern University (1997). He also received professional certificates in University Pedagogy & Research Management from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany (2012).
Julia Daisy Fraustino
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. (University of Maryland)
Julia Daisy Fraustino is an assistant professor of strategic communications at the WVU Reed College of Media. She is founding co-director of the Public Interest Communication (PIC) Research Lab in the WVU Media Innovation Center and is a Sam Walton Fellow as Faculty Advisor for Enactus West Virginia University.
Whitney Godwin
Recruiting Specialist
M.S. (West Virginia University)
Whitney Godwin is responsible for recruiting high school and transfer students to the WVU Reed College of Media. Godwin is constantly looking for high schools that show great promise in journalism and new media.
Demetrius A. Greer
Academic Advisor
M.Div. (Duke University)
304-293-8538
Demetrius A. Greer serves as an academic advisor in the WVU Reed College of Media. Greer joined the advising team in August 2013 and works primarily with first time freshmen and students with fewer than 30 earned credit hours. Greer oversees the MOVE (Motivating Others Via Engagement) Peer Mentoring Program for the college. Mr. Greer has taught JRL 101 online since summer 2016.
Jennifer Harker
Assistant Professor, Strategic Communication
Ph.D. (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill)
Jennifer L. Harker, Ph.D. teaches public relations-related skills and conceptual courses in the Reed College of Media, including strategic advertising/public relations writing and advertising/public relations research methods. Dr. Harker also serves as co-advisor of the Martin Hall Agency, a student-run advertising and public relations agency housed in the Reed College of Media’s state-of-the-art Media Innovation Center. Dr. Harker’s courses and agency oversight matches community clients with Reed College of Media students for hands-on student learning to provide a real-world experience.
Cindy Hart
Program Director for Online Programs
M.S. (West Virginia University)
Cindy Hart is the program director of online programs. She oversees program curriculum, course quality, support of online instructors, and management of course development activities.
Aaron Hawley
Program Coordinator for MMS
M.S. (West Virginia University)
As the coordinator for the Multidisciplinary Studies major and the college’s minors, Hawley is responsible for all undergraduate online programs offered by the College of Media. He recruits, advises and supports the college’s MMS majors and declared minors as well teaches the orientation and capstone classes in the MMS program. Most recently, he served as Program Developer and Undergraduate Online Programs Coordinator for the College of Media. Before joining the College, Hawley was an account executive at Bowers Broadcasting in Morgantown, W.Va. There, he managed and recruited advertising clients, conducted market research, implemented advertising campaigns and provided customer service.
Jim Iovino
Ogden Newspapers Visiting Assistant Professor of Media Innovation
B.A. (The Pennsylvania State University)
Jim Iovino joined West Virginia University in July 2019 as the Ogden Newspapers Visiting Assistant Professor of Media Innovation. He is leading the NewStart Newspaper Ownership Initiative -- a program that is focusing on recruiting, training and supporting the next generation of community newspaper owners and publishers across the country.
Allyson Kennedy
Communications Manager
M.S. (Duquesne University)
Ally Kennedy is responsible for implementing and managing the integrated marketing communications plan for the WVU Reed College of Media. Kennedy’s primary function is to serve as the lead writer and storyteller, enhancing the awareness, recognition and academic reputation of the online programs.
Sang (Sammy) Lee
Associate Professor, Research and International Curriculum Director
Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University)
Dr. Lee is an associate professor and serves as the research and international curriculum director at the WVU Reed College of Media. He also serves as the Co-faculty Research Director for the Public Interest Communication (PIC) Research Lab in the Reed College of Media.
Erica Lindsay
Director of Marketing and Communications
B.S.J., B.F.A. (West Virginia University)
Erica Lindsay is the director of marketing and communications for the WVU Reed College of Media. She manages the execution of the College’s integrated marketing communications plan, the implementation of high-profile events and efforts to identify and produce stories that promote the College’s students, alumni and faculty.
Ashton Marra
Teaching Assistant Professor
M.S. (West Virginia University)
304-293-3505
Ashton Marra joined the Reed College of Media in August of 2018. She teaches a variety of journalism courses, including written and visual media with an emphasis in social media video production.
Diana Knott Martinelli
Dean, Widmeyer Professor in Public Relations
Ph.D. (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Dr. Diana Knott Martinelli was named dean of the College of Media in 2019, after serving as the College's associate dean for eight years and as acting dean of the College of Media from 2015-2016.
Mary Kay McFarland
Teaching Associate Professor, West Virginia Uncovered Project Coordinator
M.A. (University of Missouri-Columbia)
MaryKay.McFarland@mail.wvu.edu
Mary Kay McFarland joined the WVU Reed College of Media in the summer of 2009. She teaches visual and multimedia journalism. Before coming to WVU, McFarland worked at The Charleston Gazette as a staff photographer and multimedia editor.
Catherine Mezera
Teaching Associate Professor
M.S. (West Virginia University)
Catherine Mezera joined the WVU Reed College of Media in the fall of 2013. She teaches in the advertising/public relations program. Mezera has been an instructor for the College of Media, teaching classes in advertising, copywriting, graphic design, creative strategy and direct marketing for the past several years. She is also the faculty advisor for the WVU Ad Club, a local collegiate chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF).
Chad Mezera
Assistant Dean of Online Programs
M.S. (West Virginia University)
Chad Mezera is the Assistant Dean of Online Programs, including the master’s degree program in integrated marketing communications (IMC); graduate certificate programs in IMC and digital marketing communications; and undergraduate minors in advertising, public relations, sports communication, health promotion, strategic social media, event planning and entertainment media.
Ryan Minnigh
Enrollment Specialist for Online Programs
As an Enrollment Specialist, Ryan works with prospective students interested in the Reed College of Media’s Online Graduate Programs in Data Marketing Communications, Digital Marketing Communications and Integrated Marketing Communications. He assists students through the program's admissions process and helps them register for their first classes once admitted to their respective program.
Eric Minor
Director of Student Careers and Opportunities
B.S.J. (West Virginia University)
Eric Minor (BSJ, 1995, MS IMC, 2014), an award-winning television anchor and multimedia journalist, joined the College in June 2013 as its first Director of Student Careers and Opportunities.
Stefanie Moore
Marketing Specialist for Online Graduate Programs
M.S. (West Virginia University), expected May 2020
As the Marketing Specialist, I implement marketing campaigns for all online programs and execute strategic recruitment events and an annual national conference.
Elizabeth Oppe
Teaching Associate Professor
Ph.D. (Ohio University)
Elizabeth.Oppe@mail.wvu.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Elizabeth Oppe, Ph.D., is a West Virginia native and a WVU alumna. She joined the College of Media’s faculty in Fall 2011 as a teaching assistant professor in the public relations program.
Tricia Petty
Assistant Dean for Student and Enrollment Services
M.A. (University of Georgia)
Tricia Petty is the Assistant Dean for Student and Enrollment Services for the WVU Reed College of Media. In this role, she oversees freshman and transfer recruitment, undergraduate student advising, retention efforts, and student careers and opportunities initiatives.
Andy Pickens
Multimedia Specialist
B.F.A. (West Virginia University)
Andy Pickens is the Multimedia Specialist at WVU’s Reed College of Media. His responsibilities include working closely with instructors to build and maintain graduate and undergraduate online courses offered by the Online Programs unit.
Kayla Poling
Academic Advisor
M.A. (West Virginia University)
Kayla Poling serves as an Academic Advisor in the WVU Reed College of Media. Poling joined the advising team in August 2014 and works with undergraduate students in the college.
Geah Pressgrove
Associate Professor, Advertising and Public Relations Program Chair
Ph.D. (University of South Carolina)
Geah.Pressgrove@mail.wvu.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Geah Pressgrove is an assistant professor at the Reed College of Media where she teaches introductory, skills and advanced courses in the advertising/public relations program. Pressgrove is also the faculty advisor for the award-winning WVU PRSSA chapter.
Lois Raimondo
Associate Professor
M.A. (University of Missouri-Columbia)
304-293-8708
Lois Raimondo is an international award-winning journalist. Before joining the College of Media faculty, Raimondo most recently worked as a staff photographer at The Washington Post. Prior to her 10 years at the Post, she worked as a freelance photographer and writer and spent four years as chief photographer for The Associated Press bureau in Hanoi, Vietnam. Raimondo’s work has appeared in such publications as National Geographic, The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Newsweek and Time.
Emily Roush
Undergraduate Advising Coordinator
M.A. (West Virginia University)
Emily Roush serves as the Undergraduate Advising Coordinator at the WVU Reed College of Media. She works closely with the advising office and assists the advising team during high traffic advising season.
Austin Rupp
Professional Technologist
B.F.A. Graphic Design (West Virginia University)
Austin Rupp serves as the Professional Technologist at the WVU Reed College of Media. He manages the College’s web presence. One of Rupp’s primary functions is to implement and maintain the University brand and College strategic messaging in all digital collateral. He creates websites and HTML emails. In addition, Rupp maintains College blogs, SEO, analytics, and quality assurance.
Daniel Sadler
Online Graduate Enrollment and Retention Manager
M.S. (West Virginia University)
As the Online Graduate Enrollment and Retention Manager, I oversee the comprehensive process of students pursuing their goal of furthering their education from inquiring about the program until graduation. I am also continuously working on building and strengthening the alumni network for the IMC and DMC programs.
Chuck Scatterday
Shott Teaching Assistant Professor
M.S.J. (West Virginia University)
Chuck Scatterday is a creative leader with more than 30 years in the television production industry. During his career in producing network television live, remote and studio events, he mastered making split decisions under pressure, providing hard feedback, working collaboratively and deploying creative alternatives quickly and efficiently, with an appreciation for resources and budget.
Brenda Sisler
Administrative Assistant
A.A. (Garret Community College)
Brenda Sisler is an administrative associate in the WVU Reed College of Media. Her responsibilities include general office duties, as well as handling accounting paperwork. Sisler also assists the dean and faculty.
David Smith
Teaching Assistant Professor
M.A. (West Virginia University)
David Smith joined the WVU Reed College of Media in August 2013. He teaches in the visual journalism program. Before coming to WVU, Smith worked as a freelance photographer in Columbus, Ohio, and Morgantown, W.Va. He also worked at the Fayetteville Observer in Fayetteville, N.C., where he was twice the North Carolina Press Photographers Association Clip Photographer of the Year; and The Gadsden Times in Gadsden, Ala., where he was the 2001 Associated Press Managing Editors Association Photographer of the Year.
John Temple
Professor
M.F.A. (University of Pittsburgh)
John.Temple@mail.wvu.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Professor John Temple is a veteran investigative journalist whose books shed light on significant issues in American life.
Steve Urbanski
Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies
Ph.D. (Duquesne University)
Dr. Steve Urbanski is an associate professor and director of graduate studies at WVU Reed College of Media. He has 28 years of experience in design, editing and reporting with newspapers such as the Post-Gazette in Pittsburgh; the Herald-Standard in Uniontown, Pa.; the former Sun-Tattler in Hollywood, Fla.; the Mountain-Statesman in Grafton, W.Va.; The Spirit in Punxsutawney, Pa., and the former Dallas Times Herald.
Joshua Walters
Director of Development
B.S. (West Virginia University)
Joshua Walters serves as the Director of Development for the WVU Reed College of Media. He oversees the fundraising and alumni relations efforts for the College, including major/planned gifts, the annual fund, corporate and foundation giving, and stewardship.
Jesse Wright
Practitioner in Residence
B.S.J. (West Virginia University)
304-293-3505
Jesse Wright joined West Virginia University in February 2020 as a Mellon Foundation funded practitioner in residence.