Jinger Bernhardt is an assistant professor of professional practice for the School of Media and Strategic Communications with experience in event planning, public relations, organizational communication and professional writing. 

With a Ph.D. in communication from Regent University, Bernhardt's research interests include bridging the communication gaps between the hearing and Deaf cultures interpersonally and professionally. In addition, she has studied how to better accommodate students with disabilities and how to overcome the negative stigmas for students relating to self advocacy and seeking external support. She has presented at many academic conferences and continues to be an active member of the Association for Edication in Journalism and Mass Communication and the National Communication Association.

Most importantly, Bernhardt's teaching philosophy revolves around surpassing classroom expectations, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and empowering students to be difference makers in the world, even when there are obstacles along the way.

Research Interests:

Disabilities and Accommodation

Strategic Communication

Organizational Communication

Pedagogy

Crisis Management and Response

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Cultures