Amy Aldridge

About Amy Aldridge

First-generation college graduate. Lifelong advocate for access to higher education.Dr. Amy Aldridge is a tenured professor, university administrator, and nationally recognized communication scholar dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through education, leadership, and service.With a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa, Amy has spent her career advancing social justice through research, teaching, and community engagement. Her work focuses on activism, allyship, leadership, and inclusive communication practices. Author of \"From Thought to Action: Developing a Social Justice Orientation\"(2nd ed.), used globally in classrooms and book clubs. Her second book, an edited volume on reconciliation that includes 55 authors and three co-editors, is due in early 2026. TEDx speaker and curator, frequent keynote presenter, and past president of the YWCA Corpus Christi, Central States Communication Association, and AAUW-Tennessee. Honors include:*Jack Kay Award for Community Engagement & Applied Scholarship (CSCA).*Outstanding Administrator (National States Advisory Council, NCA).*Communication Educator of the Year (Texas & Oklahoma).*Two “40 Under 40” Awards.*YWCA Corpus Christi’s Y Women in Careers.Amy continues to lead with purpose, mentor future changemakers, and champion inclusive excellence in higher education.

Experience

1. Vice Provost for Academic Programs & Professor

   Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

   Feb 2022 — Present · Murfreesboro, TN, US

   The VPAP facilitates the development and management of academic programs; develops and provides oversight for implementation of academic and curricular policy and procedures; and initiates and provides oversight for the creation of innovative, interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate academic programs. The VPAP represents new programs to and secures their approval by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, coordinates the University\'s participation in the Academic Common Market, and provides leadership and oversight for the University\'s General Education program.

Education

• Northeastern State University

  Master of Education - MEd, Secondary School Administration/Principalship

• University of Iowa

  Master of Arts - MA, Communication, General

• University of Iowa

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Communication, General

• Northeastern State University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Communication Education