Michael Breslin, Ph.D.

Mike Breslin has more than 30 years of journalism, public relations and strategic communications experience in agency, government, nonprofit and academic environments. He has been on the strategic communications program faculty in the Department of Mass Communications at the University of Central Oklahoma since 2011.

Prior to teaching, Mike was a senior communications counselor for more than 25 years. His focus was public relations and strategic communications in agency, government, nonprofit and academic environments. He specialized in corporate communications, crisis communications, litigation communications, media training, messaging and strategy development.

His industry experience included technology (multiple sectors), telecommunications, insurance, health care, pharmaceuticals, nonprofit/advocacy and aerospace.  He worked with companies and organizations including the American Lung Association, Continental Airlines, Wyeth, Reliant Energy, Cingular Wireless (now AT&T), Nokia, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, TIG Insurance, GTE (now Verizon), Ericsson and the U.S. Air Force.

• MCOM 4883 Strategic Communications Campaigns 
• MCOM 3990 Media in the New Millennium
• MCOM 3990 Crisis Communication
• MCOM 3493 Media Research
• MCOM 3163 Public Information Methods
• MCOM 2193 Principles of Public Relations 
• MCOM 2063 Introduction to Brand Communications
• MCOM 1133 Strategic Communications Writing
• MCOM 1113 Fundamentals of Speech

• Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education and Student Affairs: Oklahoma State University, May 2021
• Master of Arts in Mass Communications:  Texas Tech University, May 1998
• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education, Public Relations: Wayland Baptist University, May 1993
• Associate of Arts, Public Affairs: Community College of the Air Force, May 1991

Publication

• Breslin, Mike. "Bronze, Blue and Golden: Central’s University Status Was Won 50 Years Ago Through Resilience and Perseverance." Old North. Winter 2020
• Wanger, Stephen; Breslin, Mike; Griffiths, Fred; Wu, Tong. “Institutional Barriers to Study Abroad Participation: The Perceptions of Undergraduate African American Students". International Research and Review.Vol. 10, No. 1. Fall 2020.
• Breslin, Mike. "Breaking The Distance Barrier." Communication World14.9 (1997): 17. Business Source Complete. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.

Conference Papers

• “African American Student Participation in Study Abroad: Factors and Influencers that Impact the Decision to Participate.” Hawaii International Conference on Education, January 2019.

Panel Presentations

• “Trend and Conquer: A Conference for Small Business Digital Strategy.” Presentation and panel discussion, hosted by OPUBCO Communications Group, February 2015.
• “Ethical Challenges in the PR field.” Panel presentation at the monthly PRSA-Oklahoma City meeting, September 2013.
• Ad hoc panel at UCO Strategic Communication Conference. Participant in ad hoc panel discussion that closed conference, September 2013.
• “Ethics in Public Relations.” Panel presentation conducted for the UCO Media Ethics Conference, October 2012.
• “Ethics in Public Relations.” Panel presentation conducted for the UCO Media Ethics Conference, October 2011.

Poster Presentation

• “Who are you, and what are you doing here?” UCO Strategic Communication Conference. Poster presentation at conference session, September 2013.

Planning/Chairing/Moderating Conference Sessions

• “Crisis Communications 101?” UCO Mass Communications Week. Presentation at event session, September 2016.
• “Employer Expectations in 2014 and Beyond.”Panel presentation (moderator) at the annual UCO Strategic Communication Conference (“Fusion 2”), September 2014.
• “Reputation: Got an App for That?”Presentation chairing/planning for the monthly PRSA-Oklahoma City meeting, September 2014.
• “Ethical Challenges in the PR field.” Panel moderation/planning at the monthly PRSA-Oklahoma City meeting, September 2013.
• “Ethics in Public Relations.” Panel moderation and organization conducted for the UCO Media Ethics Conference, October 2012.
•  “Ethics in Public Relations.” Panel presentation conducted for the UCO Media Ethics Conference, October 2011.

Invited Scholarly Speeches

• Guest lecturer on Persuasive Message Development, Southwestern Christian University, Bethany, Texas, October 2015.
• Guest lecturer on Effective Presentation Skills/Message Development, Southwestern Christian University, Bethany, Texas, August 2014.
• Guest lecturer on Effective Writing, Southwestern Christian University, Bethany, Texas, 2012-2013 (four times).
• Guest lecturer on Professional Development in the Communications Field, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, 2003.
• Guest lecturer on Professional Development in the Communications Field, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 2002.
• Guest lecturer on Public Relations case studies, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 2001.

• 2003 Best in Texas Award, Video News Release - Texas Public Relations Association (TPRA)
• 2001 Rising Star Award – TPRA
• 1998 Best in Texas Award, Special Events - TPRA
• 1998 Excellence in Media Relations, Bulldog Reporter

Emphasis on hands-on teaching.

While lecture and other more passive forms of instruction are also necessary, student's learning experiences are most impactful when they have the opportunity to put the concepts and ideas being taught to practical use.

Animals

Fitness/bodybuilding

News media

News media literacy