Karen Freberg, Ph.D.

Adjunct Instructor

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Dr. Karen Freberg is a public relations scholar, strategist, and consultant with deep expertise in social media, crisis communication, and digital strategy. She earned her B.S. in Public Relations from the University of Florida, her M.A. in Strategic Public Relations from the University of Southern California, and her Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Tennessee. Her work spans both academia and industry, and she has consulted with major global organizations, including Meta, HubSpot, Hootsuite, Churchill Downs, GE Appliances, Sun Tan City, GM, the CDC, and NATO, helping them navigate complex communication challenges and build stronger digital engagement strategies. She is also an avid writer and continues to work on book projects that explore trends and innovations in the PR profession.

Her academic interests focus on the intersection of theory and real-world practice, particularly in social media strategy, PR foundations, and crisis communication. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a learning environment where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired to grow. She sets clear expectations and high standards while also recognizing the professor’s role as mentor and coach. Whether teaching undergraduate or graduate students, she fosters a class culture grounded in curiosity, discipline, meaningful discussion, and practical application. She wants students to leave her course not just more knowledgeable, but more confident, capable, and prepared for the professional landscape.