Roseann Canfora

Roseann “Chic” Canfora joined the School of Journalism and Mass Communication as an Adjunct Professor in 2006. Previously, she taught high school journalism and speech in a career that spanned 28 years in public education.

Dr. Canfora transitioned to K-12 Administration in 2009 in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, where she served Ohio’s second-largest school district as Publications Manager, Deputy Chief of Strategic Communications, and Chief Communications Officer for more than 12 years.

While at CMSD, Dr. Canfora introduced and successfully implemented a brand journalism strategy that transformed her department from a public relations office to a highly-functioning news and information hub of the District by recruiting journalists in the Cleveland newspaper and television markets, including reporters covering education at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, WKYC and WCPN/Ideastream.

Dr. Canfora’s expertise in crisis communication led to an invitation in 2018 from the Council of the Great City Schools to assist the public information office of Broward County Public Schools with crisis communication and media management following the shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School.

As a Professional in Residence at KSU today, Dr. Canfora teaches Media, Power and Culture and Ethics and Issues in Mass Communication in the School of Media and Journalism. As part of her assignment, she works collaboratively with the President’s Office and the May 4 Presidential Advisory Committee to oversee the university’s May 4 commemoration planning and related initiatives.

An eye-witness and survivor of the historic Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970, Dr. Canfora remains a stalwart advocate for May 4 remembrance and for the importance of connecting the lessons of the anti-war movement to emerging movements today, including Black Lives Matter and March for Our Lives.