Kelly Gaggin

Kelly C. Gaggin teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in the public relations department and the public diplomacy and global communications joint degree program offered in partnership with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Gaggin has more than two decades of experience in corporate and agency environments encompassing a multitude of industries, including education, health care, technology, defense, nonprofit, tourism/hospitality and financial services/banking.

Her professional background and personal interest in world cultures motivate a research agenda rooted in exploring public relations and strategic communications as drivers of cross-cultural understanding and relationship-building with special attention to nonprofit organizations and the populations they serve.

She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)’s prestigious College of Fellows and earned the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential. She is chair of the PRSA Northeast District board of directors, a member of PRSA’s national Diversity & Inclusion committee and a past president of the Central New York Chapter of PRSA, and remains active in advising students in the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

Gaggin was recognized with 40 Under Forty distinction for her career accomplishments and commitment to her community. She continues to serve her community through support of outreach initiatives and board memberships as well as lectures and programs sharing her expertise with community organizations.

Gaggin earned a Ph.D. in mass communications from the Newhouse School and holds an M.S. in communications management. She completed her undergraduate study in business administration, marketing and economics at Le Moyne College in Syracuse.