Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany McBride.
Hi Tiffany, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a Columbus, Georgia native, and my roots in this community have shaped much of my journey. I’ve always had a passion for communication and service, which led me to pursue degrees in mass communications, business administration, strategic communications, and ultimately a Ph.D. in higher education leadership. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked in higher education while also dedicating myself to youth advocacy, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership.
Along the way, I’ve served as president and executive director of nonprofit boards, worked closely with civic organizations, and built strong connections through service with groups like the Urban League Young Professionals, the Junior League of Columbus, and Girls Inc. Today, I serve as an Assistant Professor of Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Columbus State University, where I teach, advise, and mentor students while continuing to lead in the community. My path has been about weaving together education, leadership, and service—and staying rooted in the belief that true success is measured by how much we uplift others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve faced my share of challenges that have tested both my faith and resilience. In 2016, I underwent the Whipple surgery—a major procedure that completely changed how I viewed life and health. Shortly after, I had to have a myomectomy to remove another large tumor and just four weeks ago I also had an appendectomy, which was another reminder of how fragile life can be. Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I suffered the heartbreaking loss of both of his parents to the virus. Balancing personal grief while continuing my doctoral studies, teaching, and serving in the community was one of the hardest seasons of my life.
But through those struggles, I learned to lean on God, embrace the strength of family and community, and stay rooted in my purpose. Those experiences shaped me into the leader, professor, and servant I am today. They deepened my compassion for others, sharpened my drive to create opportunities, and reminded me that even in the toughest storms, resilience and faith can carry us forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I serve as an Assistant Professor of Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Columbus State University, where I specialize in public relations, crisis communication, and experiential learning. My work is rooted in preparing students not only to understand communication theory but also to apply it in real-world settings. That’s why I incorporate experiential learning into nearly every class, whether through student-run PR campaigns, community-based projects, or client partnerships that give students hands-on experience before graduation.
Over the years, I’ve been honored with recognitions such as the Nikki T. Randall Servant Leadership Award, the 5 Under 40 Award with Columbus and the Valley Magazine, the CSU Young Alumni Award, and the Woman of Distinction Honoree with Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. I’ve also presented my research at national and regional conferences, including the National Communication Association and the Southern States Communication Association, with topics ranging from experiential learning in student-run PR agencies to the experiences of Black female faculty in higher education.
What I’m most proud of is the balance I’ve been able to strike between being a scholar and a practitioner. I’m known for bridging the classroom with the community—helping students connect academic knowledge to lived experience in ways that benefit both. What sets me apart is my commitment to ensuring that learning doesn’t stop at the textbook; it transforms into leadership, service, and meaningful change.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Yes, I’d love to share a little more about who I am beyond my professional work. I’m married to my husband, Demetrius, and together we actively serve our churches and our community—it’s truly a shared calling for us. I’m also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and I serve on several nonprofit boards, where I focus on advancing education, equity, and youth development. In addition, I am an ordained minister and currently serve as Youth Pastor at my church, which allows me to pour into the next generation both spiritually and personally.
At my core, I love my family, friends, and community deeply, and that love drives everything I do. Whether it’s in the classroom, the pulpit, or the boardroom, I strive to live out my belief that leadership and service go hand in hand. Columbus has given me so much, and I see my work as a way to give back, to build bridges, and to help others bloom where they are planted.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tnmcbride86?igsh=MWYyNjU2cnZ3ZmV3ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BGsGKtE4S/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-mcbride-ph-d-47628a75?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
