Communications Professor Named a Finalist for HBCU Educator of the Year

Talisha Dunn-Square Honored for Innovative Approaches to Hands-on Learning

MEDIA CONTACT: Damita Chambers, dchambers@bowiestate.edu, 301-832-2628 mobile

(BOWIE, Md.) – 

A Bowie State University professor and seasoned communications professional is a finalist for HBCU Educator of the Year by PRNews, a leading source of information, education, recognition and data for public relations and marketing professionals.

Talisha Dunn-Square (’13) is one of four professors at a historically Black college and university (HBCUs) who are being honored for inspiring their students and creating a positive impact on their lives. PRNews will announce the top winner at its virtual CSR & Diversity Awards on April 27.

Dunn-Square leverages her extensive professional background in public relations, marketing and journalism to devise innovative approaches to hands-on learning. When the BSU Department of Communications was opening a new studio for the university’s WBSU Bulldog Nation radio station in 2018, Dunn-Square empowered her students to organize themselves into a public relations agency and help to plan and promote the launch event.

“I’m a practitioner who also loves to teach. I had just reached a point in my career where I was ready to give back,” said Dunn-Square. “I took a leap into education and haven’t looked back – it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences ever.”

As an educator, Dunn-Square has distinguished herself. In summer 2020, she was selected for the virtual visiting professor program for the Association of National Advertisers’ Advertising Educational Foundation, interacting with communications professionals from around the globe. She also published, “A (PR)actical Guide to Social Media,” in 2019, which provides tips and techniques for professionals and students about how to get the most out of using social media for public relations. She has taught at Bowie State since 2011, when she began as adjunct professor.

Her students who flourish in her classes and land jobs in the communications industry often thank her for laying the foundation for their success.

“They say, ‘This is the most fun I’ve ever had in a class,’ and ‘This is something that I can actually put on my resume,’ and ‘I have an extensive portfolio from taking a number of your classes,’” said Dunn-Square. “That makes me feel great, and that is what keeps me going.”

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.