Join Dr. Mildred Perreault of University of South Florida and Dr. Sarah Smith-Frigerio
of the University of Tampa for an evening of celebration and conversation with the
release of their book “Crisis Communication Case Studies on COVID-19 Multidimensional
Perspective.” Dr. Perreault and Dr. Smith-Frigerio will engage in a moderated discussion
with Spectrum Bay News 9 reporter Saundra Weathers. Audience members will participate
in Q&A plus a book signing after the discussion. We look forward to seeing you there!
Light refreshments and snacks and will be available.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Traditionally, crisis communication has found its home in public relations research. This book takes a different approach, building on the premise that crisis communication involves all facets of media and communication. Saundra Wethers from Spectrum News 9 will host a conversation with book editors/authors Dr. Mildred “Mimi” Perreault (Assistant Professor at the Zimmerman School for Advertising and Mass Communication at the University of South Florida) and Dr. Sarah Smith-Frigerio (Assistant Professor of Public Relations at The University of Tampa). They will share insights from their volume with a short presentation and Q and A at the Charline A. Gordon Theater at the University of Tampa on September 18, 2024. Light refreshments will follow. The book’s 20 chapters, authored by scholars and practitioners from across the globe, discuss how crisis communication was needed—and happening—at all levels, simultaneously, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The editors will also share some key takeaways and recommendations for how Covid-19 can inform future crises. This event is sponsored by the USF Center for Sustainable Democracy, University of Tampa Department of Communication, USF Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communication, The University of Tampa's Master's in Public Communication Program, and the AEJMC Peter Lang Scholar-Sourcing Competition.
DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION
DATE: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
TIME: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Program - 5:30 - 6:30pm
Reception & Book signing - 7:00 - 7:30pm
LOCATION
University of Tampa
Charlene A. Gordon Theater in the Ferman Center for the Arts
214 North Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
MODERATOR
Saundra Weathers, Spectrum Bay News 9 Reporter
Saundra Weathers has been a proud reporter with Spectrum Bay News 9 since 2012. To Saundra, giving viewers a clear and concise representation of a story helps demonstrate its significance. It’s especially amazing when Saundra sees how her stories help people or even change laws and policies. There’s no better feeling than helping the community.
A Florida native, Saundra attended Florida A&M University, where she earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Saundra’s proudest work includes her coverage as the lead reporter in the Justice For All series that focuses on equity, inclusion, and disparities. Some of her most memorable stories include her coverage of the murder of two-year-old Jordan Belliveau and a high school senior who was banned from wearing her military uniform to graduation. Both stories got the attention of lawmakers who eventually proposed and passed new legislation.
Saundra has earned awards from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. She’s also been nominated for several Emmy awards.
Saundra grew up on the East coast of Florida, but the Gulf Coast beaches have her heart. Maybe she’ll even see a dolphin there - which never fails to make her day. In her free time, you might find Saundra swimming, traveling, or giving back to FAMU by mentoring students and assisting with journalism seminars.
Follow Saundra on X at @SaundraONTV.
ABOUT CO-AUTHORs
DR. MILDRED PERREAULT
Mildred “Mimi” Perreault’s (Assistant Professor at the Zimmerman School for Advertising and Mass Communication at the University of South Florida) scholarship focuses primarily on the role strategic communicators and journalists in shaping crisis and disaster preparation and response. Perreault was a journalist and public relations practitioner before moving to academia. In addition to this edited book, Perreault has been published in journals including Mass Communication and Society, Digital Journalism, American Behavioral Scientist, Disasters, Journalism Practice, and Journalism Studies. Perreault’s research provides insight into how diverse groups of people respond to crisis, science communication, and disaster information. I plan to continue to submit my research to grants in these areas, and to top-tier and interdisciplinary journals.
DR. Sarah Smith-Frigerio
Sarah Smith-Frigerio (Ph.D., University of Missouri) is an Assistant Professor of Public Relations in the Department of Communication at The University of Tampa. She focuses on health and crisis communication, particularly how individuals use digital media for peer support and health advocacy when facing health concerns.
PARKING
Please visit UT Parking Services for information on guest parking options at the University of Tampa.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENT?
For reasonable accommodations or more information about the event, please contact CAS RSVP.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
University of Tampa, the Masters of Arts in Public Communication
University of Tampa Advertising and Public Relations Program
USF College of Arts and Sciences
Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications
Center for Sustainable Democracy