Carol Terracina Hartman, Ph.D.

Carol Terracina Hartman, Ph.D., is an award-winning journalist, content creator, educator, researcher, and student media adviser with a career in journalism and communications dating back to 1999. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Mass Communications and Faculty Adviser to The News at Murray State University. Her professional background spans newspaper editing, digital journalism, content creation, science and environmental reporting, photography, and media production. Throughout her career, she has worked as an editor and lead writer, contributed to outlets including NPR affiliates and Examiner.com, and developed expertise in environmental and science journalism, digital storytelling, and emerging media technologies. As an educator, Dr. Terracina Hartman has combined practical newsroom experience with academic research and curriculum development. She previously taught at the University of Wisconsin and advocated for the integration of science communication into journalism education through introduction of a new interdisciplinary university curriculum. She has also trained and advised student journalists in digital-first media, content development, design, user experience, data analytics, marketing, and production. Her specialties include media literacy and composition, newswriting, copy editing, science reporting, UX design, photography, big data storytelling, audio production, and Adobe Creative Suite, complemented by Spanish-language capabilities. Dr. Terracina Hartman holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Michigan State University and a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her scholarly work has explored environmental journalism, college media, and digital communication, reflecting her commitment to connecting journalism practice with research and education. A dedicated advocate for journalistic integrity and First Amendment rights, she received the Louis E. Ingelhart First Amendment Award in 2023 and has been recognized for her excellence as a college newspaper adviser. She also received the Outstanding Service Award from the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism at Michigan State University in 2015. She also was honored with the Rasmussen Fellowship; a Sons of Italy scholarship; a Scholar Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Achievement; three top research paper awards (AEJMC); two finalist paper awards (CMA). In fall 2024, she was elected to AEJMC's standing committee Professional Freedom & Responsibility. Through her teaching, research, professional journalism, and service to student media, she continues to mentor emerging journalists and champion independent, ethical, and responsible journalism.