Dawn Jefferies Virginia Tech University, USA

Dawn Jefferies is an award-winning broadcast journalist, public relations and strategic communications professional, and Professor of Practice in Virginia Tech’s School of Communication. A recipient of numerous state and regional broadcasting awards, she brings more than 30 years of professional experience in journalism, public relations, branding and digital communication.

After spending more than two decades as a television news anchor and reporter, Jefferies transitioned to strategic communications at Virginia Tech. Having worked first as a journalist and later as a strategic communicator responsible for telling an organization's story, she offers a unique, dual perspective on both sides of the media relationship.

At Virginia Tech, Jefferies teaches courses in public relations, journalism, and multimedia storytelling, combining real-world experience with a passion for preparing the next generation of communication professionals. She holds a master's degree and believes ethical storytelling, strong media relationships, and strategic thinking are the foundation of effective public relations writing and practice.