Health crisis communications expert to speak on campus March 3

The Department of Communication at Augusta University is hosting Dr. Steven Venette, professor in the School of Communication at the University of Southern Mississippi, for a conversation about health communication during a crisis.

The talk will be from 2:30-3:30 p.m. March 3 at the Jaguar Student Activities Center Coffeehouse, Room 235.

“The Department of Communication is excited to bring Dr. Steven Venette to Augusta University. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of developing a communication plan to combat misinformation and improve stakeholder trust during health crises,” said Dr. Carrie Reif-Stice, assistant professor of communication and coordinator of the event.

Venette has served as a risk and crisis consultant for public and private agencies including the Centers for Disease Control, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security. His research interests include risk communication, crisis communication, public relations, organizational communication, terrorism and argumentation.

He led translational research efforts for the National Center of Food Protection and Defense’s risk and crisis communication team and is currently working with the Forestry Commission to facilitate their COVID-19 response.

Venette earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from North Dakota State University.

Email Dr. Carrie Reif-Stice with questions about the event.