Michigan State University’s Strategic Communication Online M.A. program is proud to welcome three exceptional faculty members this summer, bringing decades of experience, leadership, and innovation to the classroom. The new instructors—Stephanie Baron, Scott Shank, and Juan Mundel—will expand the program’s reach, depth and impact in key areas of strategic messaging, organizational leadership and international communication. 

Stephanie Baron – Bridging Strategy with Real-World Insight

Stephanie Baron will bring over 20 years of experience in corporate communications, government affairs, and public and media relations to her role as an instructor for CAS 832: Strategic Message Development and CAS 841: Social Media Storytelling. 

Baron’s career spans the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors, where she has served as a dynamic leader in brand enhancement, crisis communication and stakeholder engagement. Her unique ability to craft compelling narratives and develop actionable strategies has made her a go-to advisor for elected officials and executives alike. With a strong background in metrics-driven leadership, issue advocacy and media relations, she is a seasoned spokesperson and strategist who has successfully navigated complex regulatory and public policy landscapes. 

In the classroom, Baron will help StratCom students understand how to build and protect reputations, use messaging to influence public opinion and lead integrated campaigns that align with organizational goals. 

Scott Shank – Research-Driven Leadership in Organizational Communication

Teaching CAS 838: Organizational Communication for Leaders and Entrepreneurs, Dr. Scott Shank joins the StratCom faculty as an Assistant Professor with a research focus on communication’s role in leadership, organizational behavior and professional development. 

Shank’s work is rooted in both theory and applied practice, often using qualitative and regression-based methodologies to explore how communication fosters relationships, drives performance and supports individual well-being. His insights help clarify the essential ways in which leaders communicate vision, cultivate culture and inspire change within organizations. 

His course will provide students with tools to evaluate and refine leadership communication strategies—particularly valuable for professionals looking to lead in today’s fast-paced and dynamic work environments. 

Juan Mundel – Global Expertise and Capstone Leadership

Dr. Juan Mundel, a respected scholar and international leader in advertising and public relations, will guide students through the culminating course of the StratCom program, CAS 844: Capstone/Practicum. 

Currently an Associate Professor in MSU’s College of Communication Arts & Sciences, Mundel brings a global perspective shaped by 13+ years of academic leadership, research and international program development. His research focuses on consumer behavior, multicultural marketing and media effects, with work published in top journals such as the Journal of Advertising and the Journal of Product and Brand Management. 

Mundel’s impressive academic background includes a Ph.D. from MSU and prior leadership roles at Arizona State University and DePaul University. He is also Editor of the Journal of Advertising Education and has received numerous awards, including AEJMC’s 2024 Distinguished Excellence in Teaching Award. 

This summer, Dr. Mundel will also lead the launch of MSU’s new International Advertising Program in South Korea, further expanding the university’s global footprint. 

A New Chapter for StratCom

The addition of Baron, Shank, and Mundel marks an exciting new chapter for the MSU StratCom M.A. program. Each brings a unique blend of academic rigor, industry experience and global perspective that will prepare students to become more effective communicators, leaders and change-makers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As the StratCom program continues to grow, these new faculty members will help ensure that MSU remains at the forefront of strategic communication education—empowering graduates to make a meaningful impact across industries and around the world. 

This story originally feature on the College of Communication Arts and Sciences website.