Kelly Bruhn

Professor, Public Relations, and Associate Dean

Dr. Bruhn teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in public relations strategy, PR campaigns, and research. Prior to joining the Drake faculty, Bruhn created award-winning campaigns for Verizon Wireless and various nonprofit organizations. Bringing years of PR agency experience into the classroom, she creates real-world opportunities that prepare her students for top internships and positions globally. She also serves as Associate Dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Her research interests include public relations pedagogy and agency-client relationships.

She is a national leader in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), where she represents PRSA on the Universal Accreditation Board. She has served as PRSA Iowa president and chair of the PRSA Educators Academy. She has been honored as national PRSA Outstanding Educator, an award given annually to one PR professor in the country, PRSA Iowa Outstanding Public Relations Professional and PRSA Iowa Outstanding Board Member. She earned her doctorate from Michigan State University, a master’s degree from Ball State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University. She is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America and is a member of the Kappa Tau Alpha Journalism and Mass Communication Honor Society.

Contact Information

Email: kelly.bruhn@vko29.com
Phone: 515-271-2124
Address: 2805 University Avenue Des Moines, IA 50311-4505

Office: Meredith 111A
Office Hours: By Appointment

Courses Taught

• JMC123 PR Writing
• JMC131 PR Collateral Materials
• JMC136 Public Relations Research
• JMC146 PR Campaign Strategies
• MCL 201 Communication Leadership Strategies
• MCL 203 Applied Communication Theory and Research