WHO WE ARE

John Powers, Ph.D

John Powers, PhD, has vast experience as an educator, senior communications professional, administrator, writer, editor, and digital media practitioner. He is the Director of the Graduate Program in Digital Content Creation and Strategy and an Assistant Professor of Digital Content Creation and Strategy at Quinnipiac University. 

Dr. Powers has worked previously at the Yale University School of Nursing as their Director of Public Affairs and Communications, and is presently the president and CEO of the nonprofit organization, Dominican Republic Mission Team. He has a PhD in Strategic Communication from Regent University, a master's degree in education from Southern Connecticut State University, and his undergraduate degree in Public Relations from Boston University.

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Hilary Fussell Sisco, Ph. D

Hilary Fussell Sisco, Ph.D., APR, is a Professor of Public Relations at Quinnipiac University. Dr. Fussell Sisco has 25 years of experience, including over 75 publications and she is the 2025 PRSA Educator of the Year the 2024 Quinnipiac University Center for Excellence in Teaching Awardee.

Dr. Fussell Sisco’s research focuses on public relations in the nonprofit sector, social media, and crisis communication. She has over 70 peer-reviewed publications various journals. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of Public Relations Journal, the only journal that focuses on the practical outcomes of public relations research. She received her Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina, her master’s degree in Corporate Communication from Radford University, and her undergraduate degree in Public Communication from Virginia Tech.