Eric Kwame Adae

About Eric Kwame Adae

I am a dually accredited Public Relations professional (APR - Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) & the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana) and academic leader with over 15 years of experience in strategic communication and global advocacy. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Drake University, I combine rigorous research with executive leadership as the President of the Iowa United Nations Association and the Founder and President of the Black Star Marathon. My work is dedicated to bridging the gap between local impact and global strategic communication, specializing in the advancement of ethical PR within emerging economies.Beyond the classroom, I am passionate about community impact and sports diplomacy. I serve as the Founder and President of the Black Star Marathon and the Runathon Ghana Foundation, initiatives that leverage the power of long-distance running to promote health and national pride.My research focuses on public relations, strategic communication, and media literacy, with a particular interest in redefining these fields within emerging economies. Whether I am mentoring the next generation of communicators at Drake or leading large-scale international events, my goal remains the same: to foster ethical, impactful, and culturally resonant communication.

Experience

1. Assistant Professor of Public Relations

   Drake University

   Aug 2020 — Present · Des Moines, IA, US

   As a faculty member at an ACEJMC-accredited institution, I specialize in bridging the gap between communication theory and professional practice. I teach across both undergraduate and graduate programs, focusing on the strategic management of public relations, brand responsibility, and media literacy.Key Responsibilities & Contributions:Pedagogical Leadership: Delivering high-impact curricula for courses such as PR Principles, PR Writing, PR Research, and PR Planning and Management, integrating real-world client projects to provide students with hands-on consultancy experience.Academic Research: Conducting and publishing peer-reviewed research on public relations in emerging economies, CEO activism, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and the impact of misinformation. My work seeks to redefine PR standards within a global context.Mentorship & Service: Serving as a faculty advisor and mentor, guiding the next generation of strategic communicators. I also contribute to university governance and departmental growth through various committee roles, including my work with the Ghanaians in Iowa Association.Global Perspective: Leveraging my 15+ years of industry experience across the West African subregion to bring a diverse, international lens to the classroom and prepare students to navigate complex, multicultural media

Education

• Accra Academy

  SC/GCE Advance Level Certificate, Accounting and Business Studies

  1988 — 1990

• University of Oregon, School of Journalism & Communication

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Communication and Media Studies

  2016 — 2020

• University of Ghana

  Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree, Sociology with English

  1991 — 1994

• Ebenezer Secondary School

  SC/GCE Ordinary Level, Business and Economics

  1983 — 1988

• University of Ghana

  Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.), Communication Studies

  2006 — 2008