Mu He

Assistant Professor of Public Relations

Mu He joins the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Drake University in 2023 as an Assistant Professor of Public Relations. He earned his master's degree in public relations at Boston University and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Miami.

Before joining the faculty, He worked as an instructor at the University of Miami for three years. During this time, he taught various classes, including statistics, research methods, PR strategy, and sports publicity & promotions. He enjoys working with students to enhance their skills and prepare them for their future careers.

His research primarily focuses on public relations and sports communication. For instance, he delves into the impact of organizational communication on assisting organizations and employees in navigating various crises. Additionally, his studies scrutinize media representations in the realm of sports, particularly the coverage of minority athletes. He has also examined cross-national conflicts among sports organizations. He has contributed several articles to esteemed journals, including Public Relations Review, Journal of Public Relations Research, New Media and Society, and International Journal of Sports Communication.

His teaching and research interests intersect the realms of public relations and sports, notably in crisis communication within the sports domain. His dissertation investigates how sports fans perceive and respond to significant sports controversies through their communicative behaviors. Furthermore, he actively engages in academic organizations such as the International Public Relations Research Conference, the International Association for Communication and Sport, and the International Communication Association, where he was awarded the Top Student Paper in 2023.

In addition to his academic pursuits, he possesses practical experience in journalism, sports, and marketing. He has worked with prominent organizations, including the International Association of Athletics Federations (World Athletics) and CNN in Beijing. Furthermore, he has contributed his expertise to TRACS, a sports marketing firm based in Boston.

During his spare time, He is a music enthusiast and a dedicated sports fan. He can often be found enjoying live music, engaging in workouts, and actively participating in sports. With a passion for soccer, he has been a devoted Rossoneri (AC Milan fan) for over two decades.

Contact Information

Email: mu.he@drake.edu
Phone: 515-271-2377
Address: 2805 University Ave Des Moines, IA 50311

Office: Meredith 121
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 1:30 pm to 4 pm.