UGA’s Grady College and Terry College to offer executive education program in crisis communication and management
The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication and Terry College of Business have joined forces to provide an executive education program focusing on crisis communication and management. This program aims to equip business leaders with the necessary knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively navigate through crises, engage stakeholders, leverage available resources, and enhance business processes.
Crises can impact all industries, making it crucial for business operations to remain resilient while prioritizing transparent and trustworthy communication. Dr. Charles Davis, the dean of Grady College, emphasizes the importance of readiness in successfully managing crises across various sectors. The program, titled Empowering Leaders: How to Excel Through Crisis With Proven Strategies, is set to commence on April 12, 2024, at the Terry Executive Education Center in Atlanta. It will run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Led by Dr. Yan Jin, the C. Richard Yarbrough Professor in Crisis Communication Leadership and director of the Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT), the program will incorporate case studies, peer-to-peer learning, and a simulation exercise to provide attendees with practical strategies and principles for effective crisis management and leadership. Topics covered will include business and strategic communication, law and risk management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and media training.
Geared towards professional leaders seeking to develop or enhance crisis communication and management skills, the program is suitable for both management teams and individual leaders with decision-making authority. It will be taught by esteemed researchers and practitioners well-versed in the field of crisis communication and management, many of whom are associated with Grady College’s CCTT.
Mike Pfarrer, the associate dean for research and executive programs at Terry College, emphasizes that crisis management is inherently a form of strategic management. Leaders need to understand the trade-offs involved in their communication strategies, including what to say, how to say it, and the optimal timing. By fostering collaboration among executives, the program aims to facilitate the sharing of ideas and insights regarding crisis management within organizations.
Registration for the program is currently open. Interested individuals can enroll and find more information about the program and its instructors on the Terry College’s website. This executive education program will empower leaders to proactively identify potential threats, effectively manage uncertainty, and implement comprehensive crisis management plans that cater to the needs of both internal and external stakeholders.
In summary, UGA’s Grady College and Terry College are partnering to offer an executive education program aimed at equipping business leaders with crisis communication and management skills. This comprehensive program will provide attendees with practical strategies, guidance, and principles for leading through crises, mitigating risks, and fostering transparent communication. With a focus on readiness and resilience, the program seeks to empower leaders to navigate crises across different industries successfully.
