Lolita Cummings, APR

Professor | Program Coordinator | Internship Coordinator
“Enlighten U” Student Mental Health Podcast Co-host
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Lolita Cummings, a professor of public relations, joined the Eastern Michigan University faculty in 1994.

Prior to entering academia, Cummings worked as a successful public relations professional for numerous nonprofit organizations and a Fortune 500 corporation for nearly 10 years. She continues to consult with nonprofit organizations and businesses, specializing in corporate social responsibility, strategic planning, professional writing, and more.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Cummings serves as the public relations program coordinator and internship coordinator, guiding the direction and activities of the program – and securing professional employment opportunities for students.

Always searching for more ways to serve students and the university community, Cummings spearheaded “Enlighten U,” a monthly video podcast for students in 2023. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of mental health and includes an EMU student or alum -- and a mental health professional. The podcast won the 2024 Public Relations Society of America, Detroit Chapter, PR for Good Campaign Award. Episodes can be found on EMU’s YouTube page. 

“Enlighten U” has also earned the No. 1 spot among Michigan’s mental health podcasts, ranked by FeedSpot, a global podcast database. 

As a result of her efforts, Cummings has earned other awards as well, including EMU’s 2018 Distinguished Achievement Award for Community Service and Engagement. She was also featured in a Meemic Insurance 30-minute documentary and presented with the company’s 2020 LifeChanger in Education Award. 

Cummings, an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in Communications from Eastern Michigan University.

Gabrielle Burgess-Smith

Adjunct Lecturer | Faculty Advisor for PRSSA
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Gabrielle is a faculty advisor for PRSSA and an adjunct lecturer in the English Department, where she combines her extensive industry experience with her passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of communication professionals. With over a decade of experience in communications, marketing, and public relations, Gabrielle has worked with government agencies, educational institutions, private companies, and county and state health sectors.

A two-time graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Gabrielle earned her bachelor's degree in Public Relations and holds double master’s degrees in Communications and Marketing Management. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at Wayne State University, focusing her research on creating a more inclusive curriculum for marginalized students. Gabrielle is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and the Order of the Eastern Star, PHA. Her commitment to education, equity, and strategic communication drives her work both inside and outside the classroom, empowering students and communities alike.

Tim McIntyre

Adjunct Lecturer | Consultant | Crisis Guru
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An Eastern Michigan alum, Tim McIntyre spent 37 years leading communications and public relations for Domino's, the world's largest pizza brand. From 2016 - 2022, Tim was Executive Vice President of Communications for Domino's, leading global communications, public relations, crisis communications, government affairs, investor relations, event management and more. 

Tim is a published author and was named Crisis Manager of the Year in 2010 by PR News magazine. He is a sought-after speaker, who has delivered presentations to audiences up to 10,000 people across the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia. Today, he runs his own communications company, called T/M Communications.