Faculty and Staff
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.
Wes Burks
Enrollment Coach
304-293-8162
Wes Burks, enrollment coach for Reed College of Media Online Programs, is the main contact for students inquiring about the Digital Marketing Communications and DINFOS Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) programs offered at West Virginia University. As the enrollment coach, Burks assists prospective students with the admissions and enrollment process until graduation.
Dana Coester
Professor
M.A. (University of Missouri-Columbia)
dana.coester@mail.wvu.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Dana Coester is a professor at the WVU Reed College of Media and creative director for the College’s Media Innovation Center. Coester also serves as editor in chief for the collaborative media outlet 100 Days in Appalachia.
Heather Cole
Teaching Assistant Professor
M.F.A. (Goddard College)
As an interdisciplinary artist, Heather works and teaches in a variety of media. She currently teaches for the Interactive Design for Media major program offered by the Reed College of Media and Creative Arts College at West Virginia University.
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, Journalism Program Chair
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
Program Coordinator
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
Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs
M.S.J. (West Virginia University)
Gina Martino Dahlia is the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for the WVU Reed College of Media. In this role, she assists in the planning, development and direction of academic programs. Dahlia is also the Managing Director of the Media Innovation Center and a Teaching Professor at the College of Media.
Timmy Eads
Recruiting Specialist
B.S.J. (West Virginia University)
Timmy Eads is responsible for recruiting high school and transfer students to 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).
Breanne Ford
Enrollment Coach for Online Graduate Programs
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications (West Virginia University)
Breanne Ford (Bre) is the enrollment specialist for Reed College of Media Online Programs. Ford assists students throughout the enrollment and admissions process. She is one of the main contacts for students when first inquiring about the program, throughout their enrollment process, and until graduation.
Julia Daisy Fraustino
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. (University of Maryland)
Julia Daisy Fraustino, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of strategic communication at the WVU Reed College of Media. She is founding director of the Public Interest Communication Research Lab (PIC Lab) in the WVU Media Innovation Center.
Emily Gerber
Undergraduate Academic Advisor
M.S. (West Virginia University)
Emily Gerber serves as an undergraduate academic advisor for the Reed College of Media. In her role, she helps students transition to college, navigate their program and succeed post-graduation.
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. Greer has a strong affinity and penchant for working with first-generation students. He is often called upon to work with students who need academic transformation. Greer oversees the MOVE (Motivating Others Via Engagement) Peer Mentoring Program for the college. Mr. Greer has taught MDIA 101 online since summer 2016.
Cindy Hart
Program Director for Online Programs
M.S. (West Virginia University)
Cindy Hart is program director of online programs for Reed College of Media’s marketing and communications program. She oversees program curriculum, course development projects, and support of online instructors.
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.
Joseph Jones
Visiting Assistant Professor
Ph.D. (Missouri School of Journalism)
Joseph is a visiting assistant professor at the WVU Reed College of Media who has expertise in media history and culture and teaches Media Ethics and Law.
Allyson Kennedy
Communications Manager
M.S. (Duquesne University)
Allyson Kennedy is the communications manager for the WVU Reed College of Media. She is responsible for implementing and managing the integrated marketing communications (IMC) plan for the College.
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
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 courses in advertising, copywriting, graphic design, and creative strategy as part of the advertising and public relations program, in addition to the undergraduate integrated marketing communications online major.
Chad Mezera
Assistant Dean of Online Programs
M.S. (West Virginia University)
Chad Mezera is the Assistant Dean of Online Programs for the Reed College of Media at West Virginia University (WVU). In this role, he oversees all online courses offered by the college and leads the online programs support team.
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, Stefanie Moore implements marketing campaigns for all online programs, executes 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.
Andy Pickens
Multimedia Specialist
B.F.A. (West Virginia University)
Andy Pickens is a proud alumnus of West Virginia University. Pickens is the multimedia specialist for the Marketing Communications online programs. His responsibilities include working closely with instructors to build and maintain graduate and undergraduate online courses, as well as shooting photos and videos. Pickens uses his photography and videography skills for all Data Marketing Communications, Digital Marketing Communications and Integrated Marketing Communications events.
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.
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 is a Teaching Assistant Professor at the West Virginia University Reed College of Media, where he has taught courses in visual journalism, video for social media, brand storytelling, drone journalism, augmented and virtual reality (AR & VR) and international study abroad.
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.
Amanda Tuscan
Online Programs Graduate Advisor
M.B.A. (Fairmont State University)
Amanda Tuscan is excited to serve as an academic advisor for the online graduate students in the WVU Reed College of Media. She joined the college in July 2021.
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.
Jason Walker
Enrollment and Retention Manager
MBA
Jason Walker is the enrollment and retention manager for WVU Reed College of Media, with a specific focus in online Data Marketing Communications, Digital Marketing Communications and Integrated Marketing Communications. Joining the college in August 2022, Walker’s initiative is to positively impact all aspects of the online student journey, with an emphasis on retaining students from recruitment to degree completion. Walker will also lead alumni relations strategies to support program graduates beyond the completion of their degrees.
Jesse Wright
Teaching Assistant Professor
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.