Crystal Lumpkins is a new assistant professor in Strategic Communication. Her areas of expertise are public relations, broadcasting and health communication. She has taught Research & Writing and Principles of Public Relations and will be teaching other strategic communication courses in future semesters.

Lumpkins' primary area of research interest is cancer communication, specifically breast cancer among minorities and underserved
populations. She also is interested in health literacy issues, targeting adolescents and healthy eating and nutrition.

“I’m passionate about cancer communication,” Lumpkins said. “I’ve personally been affected. One family member died of pancreatic cancer and a number of my family members have suffered or died from breast cancer. There are several barriers in the black community that need to be overcome, including distrust of doctors and other socio-economic reasons. Communications need to be tailored to this group so the information is positive and appealing. Also, oftentimes spirituality is a barrier and some African Americans tend to be fatalistic concerning their health. The ultimate goal is to move from awareness to behavioral changes.”

Lumpkins has worked as a broadcast reporter, producer, television promotions writer, newspaper reporter, and public relations consultant. She has taught journalism classes at Rockhurst University, Johnson County Community College, Saint Mary College, Central Missouri State University and the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she assisted professors with a NCI-funded cancer communication study.

In summer 2007, Lumpkins earned her PhD in Journalism with emphases in health communication and strategic communication from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has master’s degrees from Webster University in Media Communication and Management. She received her undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University
of Missouri-Columbia.

“I love KU,” Lumpkins said. “The School of Journalism has been so supportive. Students are very receptive and articulate and really open to learning and engaging in dialogue. I’m so excited about the research opportunities and the guidance I’ve been given to attain my goals. I am very grateful for the many resources available to me.”

Link to Lumpkins' CV (PDF file).