Rutgers GSE CMSI

Erica Taylor

Dr. Erica C. Taylor teaches strategic and management communication courses in the School of Communications at Howard University in Washington, DC. She has taught previously at Hampton University, Norfolk State University and Louisiana State University and she has worked professionally as a public relations practitioner in a variety of industries including higher education, non-profit and healthcare. Her primary research interests include strategic, crisis and social media communication with a focus on promoting and sustaining Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and communicating unique issues in African American public affairs. Her work has been featured in publications such as the Harvard Journal of African American Public Policy. Dr. Taylor earned a B.A. in public relations from Hampton University where she is also a graduate of the Freddye T. Davy Honors College. She also earned a M.A. in English with a concentration in professional writing from Old Dominion University and a Ph.D. in Media and Public Affairs from Louisiana State University. Her dissertation written under the direction of Dr. Jinx C. Broussard is entitled “HBCU Crises and Best Practices in the Discourse of Renewal: A Crisis Communication Case Study of Three Institutions.” Dr. Taylor’s experiences as an HBCU student, alumna, staff and faculty member have helped her develop a well-rounded understanding and affinity for these institutions and she is invested in their continued success and contributions to American higher education.