Ashley Smalls
Assistant Professor
JWU Faculty Since 2023
Ashley Smalls is a college educator that specializes in media representation, social media, and popular culture. With years of experience managing social media for publications such as the New York Daily News and Forbes, she employs innovative teaching methods to enhance student engagement and comprehension. By integrating active learning techniques and educational technology into courses such as "Media and Popular Culture" and "Global Media", her aim is to boost students' digital literacy and critical thinking skills. She strives to foster a comprehensive understanding of media dynamics while encouraging analytical thinking and creative expression. Through her research and scholarly contributions, she aims to enrich academic discourse and inspire the next generation of media scholars and professionals.
Education
- BA, Penn State University
- MA, CUNY Graduate School of Journalism
- PhD, Penn State University
Teaching Interests
I am passionate about guiding students through the intricate landscapes of media representation, social media dynamics, and the influence of popular culture. I strive to create interactive and engaging learning environments that cultivate critical thinking, digital literacy, and creative expression. My courses allow me to empower students to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape with confidence.
Courses
- MCST2050 - Media Audiences
- ENG1021 - Rhetoric and Composition II
- ENG1030 - Communication Skills
- MCST4010 - Global Media
- MCST4050 - Media and Popular Culture
Professional Affiliations
Member, National Communications Association, 2023 - Present
Publications
- "Bonnie Bennett and the Magic of Fandom" In K. McMahon-Coleman
- I.A. Laemmerhirt & N.V. Weber, Eds., Vampires Fully Alive: The Vampire Diaries as Postmodern Storytelling, North Carolina: McFarland
Honors And Awards
- Excellence in Communication Doctoral Award, Penn State University, 2021