Dr. Sara Erlichman

B.A., Virginia Wesleyan University; M.S.J., University of Kansas; Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University

Bio:

Dr. Sara Erlichman is an Assistant Professor of Communication and Media at Methodist University, where she teaches courses in media studies, research methods, and strategic communications. Her pedagogical approach values cultivating student’s professional communication and skills in preparation for their careers. 

Dr. Erlichman came to Methodist University after working as an Analyst in the Analytics Department at Ketchum, a global public relations firm. She has worked on various measurement reports with clients, including Clorox, Bose, CMS, and New Balance. Dr. Erlichman uses this industry experience to support her role within “The Agency,” a university organization that provides students the opportunity to work with local charities and organizations in the field of communication and marketing. This organization aims to develop students’ applied skills related to the industry while also developing a portfolio.

Dr. Erlichman earned her Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University in Mass Communications and has taught introductory communication and media courses, media studies, film, strategic communications, sports communication, and research methods in academia and industry. 

Dr. Erlichman’s research expertise is in media effects, particularly how attachment to media figures influences audiences. Dr. Erlichman has presented her research at conferences such as the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), the National Communication Association (NCA), the International Communication Association (ICA), and the Southwest Popular/American Culture Association (PCA). She recently published in Health Communication, which investigated how personal and entertainment role models motivate an individual’s health goals.