Department of Journalism and Mass Communications
Samford University - Birmingham, AL
Dr. Bernie Ankney, chair of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department, joined Samford during the fall of 2006. He had previously served as the program director in the Journalism Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and as the head of news-editorial at Temple University.
Dr. Ankney received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, his master’s degree in public communication studies from Syracuse University, and his doctorate in mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He has nearly 10 years of professional experience in science writing, public relations and print journalism for the Conemaugh Health System, Western PA Medicine, U.S. Medicine and Status Report.
Dr. Ankney teaches mass media and society, mass media practices, mass media writing and editing, mass media law, feature writing, health care public relations and oversaw the public relations practicum. His research focuses on media coverage of science, political communication, and the effect of communication technologies on communities.
Office: University Center Annex, Room 105
Phone: (205) 726-2948
E-mail: rnankney@samford.edu