Hi, I’m
Karrie A. Bowen
Higher Education Professional
ERIE,US
Summary
Higher Education Professional with 28+ years of experience designing and delivering public relations, social media, and digital journalism curricula. Skilled in curriculum development, academic advising, student mentorship, and integrating digital learning tools to boost engagement and course completion. Proven ability to build partnerships, advise student media, and align programs with industry needs while fostering collaborative, student-centered learning environments.
Overview
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Penn State Erie- The Behrend College
LECTURER OF PUBLIC RELATIONS, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND DIGITAL JOURNALISM
07.2014 - 06.2025
Job overview
- Advised and average of students on academic pathways, fostering growth and academic success.
- Crafted engaging curricula each semester to meet learning outcomes, boosting student engagement and retention.
- Led public relations initiatives, increasing department visibility and student enrollment.
- Mentored honors students in research, promoting academic excellence and innovation.
- Fostered a collaborative learning environment, encouraging student engagement and enhancing overall academic performance.
- Led curriculum development initiatives, aligning course content with industry trends to ensure relevance and student readiness.
- Analyzed student performance data to tailor instructional strategies, resulting in marked improvements in course completion rates.
- Implemented digital tools for course delivery, increasing accessibility and engagement, and fostering a dynamic learning atmosphere.
- Advised The Behrend Beacon, elevating its journalistic standards and boosting student participation in campus media.
- Enhanced student learning outcomes by analyzing performance metrics, leading to substantial improvements in course completion rates.
- Participated in 2-4 university-led outreach initiatives each semester and in the summer that increased department visibility, resulting in noticeable gains in student enrollment and community engagement.
Penn State University- Brandywine
INSTRUCTOR OF COMMUNICATION
07.2007 - 06.2014
Job overview
- Led a minimum of 4 diverse courses integrating modern methods, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Managed internship program, and 5-10 interns every semester, establishing partnerships with local organizations to create experiential learning opportunities for students
- Rebuilt and then further advised The Lion's Eye, the campus newspaper, reinstating its dedication to quality reporting and solidifying it as responsible, dependable, and award-winning organization.
- Advised 7-15 students each semester, ensuring academic progress and achievement of students meeting their major requirements while meeting departmental goals.
- Developed curricula aligning with college standards, improving educational quality and student retention.
- Supervised public relations interns from our campus placed in different campus , facilitating practical experience and professional growth.
- Fostered a collaborative learning environment, enhancing student engagement and promoting a culture of mutual respect and encouragement.
- Evaluated student feedback to refine teaching strategies, leading to substantial improvements in course ratings and student satisfaction.
- Traveled yearly with groups of 5-20 students to student-focused and national conferences, and taught students internationally.
- Developed and implemented innovative communication strategies to enhance student engagement.
- Mentored undergraduate students in communication theories and practical applications.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and provided constructive feedback for skill development.
- Organized community outreach programs to promote university initiatives and foster public relations.
Delaware County Community College
INSTRUCTOR/LECTURER
07.2008 - 12.2009
Job overview
- Delivered pre-designed course curricula focused on public speaking, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Led interactive learning sessions, fostering a collaborative and supportive classroom environment.
- Evaluated student feedback and learning outcomes to refine teaching strategies and course development.
- Facilitated engaging discussions and hands-on activities, creating an interactive classroom atmosphere that promoted student participation.
Broome Community College
INSTRUCTOR/LECTURER
08.2000 - 08.2006
Job overview
- Promoted a positive learning environments by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques
- Led internship program, overseeing 10-20 , fostering industry connections and student career growth.
- Advised students academically, guiding them toward successful educational paths.
- Designed curricula aligning with institutional goals, improving learning outcomes.
- Boosted enrollment and retention through strategic public relations initiatives.
- Advocated for program improvements based on student feedback, enhancing overall educational outcomes.
The Daily Review
NEWSPAPER REPORTER
10.1999 - 05.2000
Job overview
- Reported on local events and developed key municipal contacts, enhancing community engagement.
- Conducted in-depth investigations, producing impactful stories that informed public discourse.
- Led editorial projects on Y2K, managing layout and design, ensuring timely and accurate publication.
- Contributed to the launch of the newspaper's website, expanding digital reach and readership.
- Authored lifestyle features, enriching Sunday content and attracting a diverse audience.
- Conducted in-depth investigative reports that unveiled key issues, resulting in heightened community awareness and engagement.
National Organization for Women
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS INTERN
01.1999 - 05.1999
Job overview
- Research government policy and laws.
- Developed lobbying and communication strategies.
- Partnered with other non-profits and was heavily involved in organizing two national summits.
- Performed website layout design and development for an online bookstore for the organization.
- Write for the National NOW Times
- Lobbied and attended a variety of meetings and activities on Capitol Hill.
- Conducted research on legislative proposals affecting gender equality initiatives.
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
ASSISTANT FORENSICS COACH
08.1997 - 05.1999
Job overview
- Led debate coaching for Lincoln-Douglas and Parliamentary formats, enhancing team performance.
- Guided appstudents in informative and persuasive speaking, improving their competitive success.
- Judged regional competitions, offering expert feedback to refine participants' skills.
- Facilitated research sessions for extemporaneous speaking, boosting participants' readiness.
- Managed Forensics team website, ensuring up-to-date information and resources.
Education
Edinboro University of PennsylvaniaEdinboro, PA
Master of Arts from Communication Studies
06.2002
Edinboro University of PennsylvaniaEdinboro, PA
Bachelor of Arts from Speech and Communication Studies, Minor, Women's Studies
05.1997
SUNY Broome Community CollegeBinghamton, NY
Associates in Applied Science from Communication and Media Arts
12.1993
Skills
- Public Relations
- Social Media
- Digital Journalism
- Teaching in Higher Education
- Curriculum Development
- Academic Advising
- Understanding FERPA Policies
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Grant Writing
ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK, PROGRAMMING, CONFERENCES, AND SERVICE
- Enrolled part-time and completed 15 graduate credits toward a Master of Arts in Social Science, History, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, 2016-2020
- An Evening with Joker, Organizer and Faculty Expert, 2019
- An Evening with Bohemian Rhapsody, Organizer and Faculty Expert, 2018
- The Other Side of Journalism, Lecture Organizer, 2015
- Cars- An Exploration of Route 66, Presenter, Far West PACA, 2019
- Jim Jones: An Exploration of Historical Trauma and Appalachian Poverty in the Early 20th Century, Presenter, Far West PACA, 2018
- The Women of Jonestown, Presenter, MAPACA, 2018
- Women in the IRA: The Funeral of Peggy O’Hara, Presenter, MAPACA, 2017
- Penn State Behrend Gender Studies Conference, Co-Organizer and Presenter, 2014-2019
- Senior Communications Banquet, Organizer, 2014-2019
- Annual Alumni Get Together, Organizer, 2014- 2020
- Pennsylvania High School Press Regional Competition, Campus Organizer, 2015- 2019
- Hiring Committee, Communication Arts and Sciences Faculty, 2015
- Communication Department Program Assessment Committee, 2014- 2025
COLLEGE HONORS AND AWARDS
Penn State Behrend School of Humanities & Social Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award- 2016-2017, Penn State Brandywine Woman of the Year, 2011, Penn State Brandywine Adviser of the Year, The Lion’s Eye, 2010, Penn State Brandywine Adviser of the Year, The Lion’s Eye, 2013, Penn State Brandywine Organization of the Year, The Lion’s Eye, 2012, Adviser, SUNY Broome Community College, Above and Beyond Award, 2006, Alpha Chi PA Zeta National Honors Society, Edinboro University Dean’s List, 1995-1997, All American Collegiate Scholar Winner, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, 1997, National Collegiate Communication Arts Award Winner, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania 1997, Deborah Downey Scholarship in Theatre, SUNY Broome Community College, 1991