Dr. John E. Forde, APR

John E. Forde, APR, is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Communication at MSU. The 470-major department includes concentrations in Broadcasting, Communication Studies, Journalism, Public Relations, and Theatre. He continues to enjoy teaching Principles of Public Relations, both in person and online. His latest research interests include podcasting and other technology uses in classes, academic advising assessment, problem-based learning, public relations education, and public relations accreditation.

John has served as an officer in numerous public relations and community organizations. In 1997, he was President of the 1,500-member Southern Public Relations Federation and received the organization's Professional Achievement Award in 1999 and Mississippi's State Practitioner of the Year Award in 1992. He also helped initiate six of the ten current local organization chapters in Mississippi.

At MSU, John received a John Grisham Faculty Excellence Award in 1997 and Outstanding Academic Advisor Award in 2000. He was honored with the National Academic Advising Association Outstanding Academic Advisor Award in 2001.

His wife, Connie, teaches in the MSU Department of Instructional Systems, Leadership, and Workforce Development. They have two sons, John David and Daniel, who help keep them active.

He is excited about serving as an ALHP advisory board member because of the positive impact these programs can have on the university and beyond. He believes communication is an integral element of leadership.