Gary Ford

Position

Associate Professor; Program Facilitator, Public Relations;  Interim Director, Graduate Studies and Online Programs; Department Chair;

Department

Communications and Journalism

Home Campus

St. Louis (Webster Groves)

Courses Taught

PBRL 2100 Fundamentals of Strategic Communications and Public Relations
PBRL 2920 Writing for Public Relations
PBRL 4920 Public Relations Campaigns
PBRL 5322 Public Relations
PBRL 5344 Speech Writing
PBRL 5451 Communication Strategies for Investors and Financial Stakeholders
PBRL 5453 Strategic Communications for Nonprofit Organizations
PBRL 5465 Crisis Management Communications
MEDC 6000 Seminar in Media Communications

Education

MA in Business Management, Webster University; BJ, University of Missouri, School of Journalism

Professional Experience

Ford Communications LLC, Weber Shandwick Worldwide, Mallinckrodt, Pfeiffer + Company, Southwestern Bell, Mayo Clinic/Mayo Foundation and Kansas City Kansan.

About

"I've been teaching public relations, corporate communications and writing classes at Webster University for 20 years. With more than 20 years of experience in corporate communications and another 12 years of experience working in the news media, you might say I'm an expert on delivering communications to various internal and external audiences.

My professional experience includes a variety of positions:

• Corporate communications consultant through my own business, as well as at two public relations agencies, including Weber Shandwick Worldwide, the world's largest public relations agency;
• Director of corporation communications for Mallinckrodt, a medical products, chemical and pharmaceutical company;
• Corporate communications manager for Southwestern Bell;
• Communications specialist for Mayo Clinic/Mayo Foundation, the world's largest medical center;
• Managing editor of a metro daily newspaper; and,
• Reporter, editor, and photographer for newspapers and radio.

I enjoy preparing students for a rewarding career in public relations. My experience provides a context for students to use as they examine classroom materials on the various strategies and tactics necessary for good communications. My experience has taught me many things over the years, and I know it is valuable for my students as well."

Contact Information

Office phone 314-246-8632
Email