Pressgrove says the School’s focus on media innovation, service learning and dedication to rural communities is what attracted her to the position. The School’s commitment to non-profit public relations also supports her research goals, and she plans to develop a course in nonprofit public relations in the coming year.
Her research interests include nonprofit advocacy, strategic communications, risk and crisis communication, social media and emergent technologies, and integrated marketing communications.
“I feel like my research goals align perfectly with what’s happening here at the School of Journalism,” said Pressgrove. “It’s a great fit, and I’m already enjoying working with the faculty and students at WVU.”
Dean Maryanne Reed says the School of Journalism is fortunate to have hired someone of Pressgrove’s caliber to join the faculty.
“We are thrilled to have Geah join our SOJ faculty and family,” said Reed. ” She has an excellent mix of professional and scholarly achievements and a great deal of passion for educating future communications professionals.”
Prior to coming to WVU, Pressgrove taught feature writing, public relations management, research methods, creative strategy and advertising campaigns at the University of South Carolina. She also served as an account executive at Synergy Strategic Communications In Louisville, Ky., and as a senior account executive at Ferillo & Associates and Post No Bills in Columbia, SC.
Pressgrove grew up in Bardstown, Ky, and holds a Master of Communications and a Ph.D. in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. She earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising from Western Kentucky University.