Susan McFarlane-Alvarez, Ph.D. (Georgia State University, 2006) is a Professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations in Michigan State University. Her research focuses at the intersection of identity, images, and corporate expression. McFarlane-Alvarez considers ideological links that underpin the material and historical realities of creative production, and how these inform expressions of identity in ads. With academic experience spanning three decades, McFarlane-Alvarez is also focused on engaged pedagogical strategies that build pathways of access between academia and professional advertising and public relations practice. She has also taught and researched at the University of the West Indies, Georgia State University, and Clayton State University.
Alongside her academic career, McFarlane-Alvarez betboom teamremained actively involved in the persuasion industries as a writer, then creative director with agencies including All Media Projects, and Hernandez/Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB), then a consultant to a diverse array of clients. Her work spans industries including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, training, and tourism, and spans markets from North to South America. Through research and classroom practice, Suzy focuses on affordable learning and on broadening access to advertising education and professional practice.
• Professor of Advertising and Public Relations
• Director, Communication Solutions for a Diverse Society.
• Faculty Advisor, 42PointSEVEN Student Integrated Communication Agency
• Co-Director, Study Abroad. PR in the UK.
• Advertising Internship Coordinator
Advertising and identity
Moving image representations
Postcoloniality and the Global South
Diversity and sustainability advertising
Pedagogy, diversity, and inclusion