Debra Connelly

Biography

Debra Connelly has a background in both journalism and public relations. She spent several years writing and learning the newspaper trade at a leading Missouri weekly paper. With a move to Central Florida she spent 14 years in hospital public relations as a writer and special projects coordinator. Connelly served twice as president of the local Florida Public Relations Association and on the state board of directors. FPRA, with its more than 1,100 members, was the only professional public relations organization in Florida until it later merged with the Public Relations Society of America. When she first came to Western Connelly worked four and a half years as a writer in the publications office of the Office of Public Information and taught night classes in communications and public relations. For the past 10 years Connelly has been teaching full time in the Department of Communication.

Education

• MA, Central Missouri State University
• BS, Central Missouri State University

Teaching Interests

Connelly teaches the core class Introduction to Media Writing as well as major public relations classes such as Desktop Publishing, Public Relations Writing and Advertising Writing.

Research Interests

NA