William J. Brown

Dr. William Brown is a professor and research fellow in the Humanities Department in the School of Communication & the Arts. He specializes in the study and use of entertainment-education for social change, health communication, and media and social influence. He has conducted academic and professional research in more than 40 nations for the past 30 years.

In addition to his tenure at Regent University, Brown has taught communication courses at the University of Southern California, the University of Hawaii in Honolulu and at the University of the Nations in Kona, Hawaii. He also has served as the dean of the School of Communication & the Arts of Regent from 1992 to 2002; and as chair of the Department of Strategic Communication & Journalism and Director of the Ph.D. Program from 2003 to 2016. He currently teaches courses on doctoral research methods, communication theory, entertainment-education for social change, media and social influence, C.S. Lewis and communication, and strategic communication. Brown also completed a five-year appointment as a Fulbright Senior Specialist with the Fulbright Scholar Program in Washington, D.C.

Published Work

In "Tweeting the election: Comparative uses of Twitter by Trump and Clinton in the 2016 election" (2018), he explored the utilization of Twitter by Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election, shedding light on their distinct approaches to social media communication within the political landscape.

Additionally, his work "Hans Nielson Hauge’s prescription for social change: Personal devotion, media literacy and community transformation" (2018) delved into the transformative ideas of Hans Nielson Hauge, emphasizing the role of personal devotion, media literacy, and community engagement in driving social change. Dr. Brown's diverse research interests also extend to disability studies, as evidenced by "The impact of having a teacher with a disability on student attitudes toward persons with disabilities" (2018), which investigates the influence of educators with disabilities on student perceptions. His wide-ranging research contributions encompass topics such as powerchair sports, celebrity engagement, entertainment-education, credibility in social media, and audience involvement with media personae, making him a versatile and impactful scholar across multiple disciplines.

Dr. William Brown envisions a world where communication and media play a pivotal role in driving positive social change and health outcomes. With over 30 years of experience in conducting academic and professional research across more than 40 nations, his vision is grounded in the transformative power of entertainment-education as a tool for fostering social change and improving public health. He believes that by harnessing the potential of media and communication, societies can address pressing global challenges, promote health and well-being, and inspire individuals to take positive actions.

As a professor and research fellow, Dr. Brown is committed to equipping the next generation of communication scholars and practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of media and social influence. His vision includes nurturing a learning environment where students explore communication theory, entertainment-education strategies, and the profound impact of media on society. Furthermore, he envisions a world where research and scholarship continue to illuminate the role of media in shaping attitudes, behaviors, and communities, ultimately contributing to a more informed, empathetic, and socially conscious global society. Dr. Brown's dedication to education, research, and the exploration of media's potential as a force for positive change is at the heart of his vision for a brighter future.