QMYOU Alumni Magazine Issue 76 | Page 15

World renowned Public Relations academic joins QMU Formerly Director of the MSc in Strategic Public Relations and Communications Management at Stirling University, Professor L’Etang, an internationally renowned PR academic, took up the position of Chair of Public Relations and Applied Communications at QMU in November. With more than 20 years’ experience in public relations education Professor L’Etang has forged critical scholarship in the field. At QMU she plans to tackle a wide range of conceptual and applied communication issues and problems employing cross-disciplinary insights. She said: “Communications is central to public issues, public policy formation, major global shifts, organisational change and development, and I hope to facilitate collaboration and creative partnerships with a range of internal and external partners and stakeholders that can make interventions that benefit and change lives in line with QMU’s societal commitments.” She added: “I am delighted to work with a range of colleagues in media, communications and creative practice and am familiar with the innovative work being done by the Division’s Centre for Dialogue run by Magda Pieczka and Emma Wood – this is such IN A NUTSHELL – Another Fringe First for Kate K ate Nelson, QMU’s Drama and Performance Lecturer, and her theatre company Nutshell, were awarded a Fringe First for the show ‘Thread’. The production premiered at the 2012 Fringe. The previous year, Kate, who is Founder and Director of the award-winning Edinburgh theatre company, Nutshell, also won a Scotsman Fringe First award for her play ‘Allotment’ which was staged outdoors on her very own allotment in an exciting time to be joining QMU.” Professor Alan Gilloran, QMU’s Deputy Principal, said: “Professor L’Etang is one of the best known academics in PR, having been instrumental in getting critical perspectives to public relations recognised as an integral part of the academic field. Her teaching and research work will contribute significantly to the student experience and her appointment will enrich our already strong group of academic staff within media, culture and communication.” Jacquie L’Etang’s current research interests include health advocacy and activism, sports communications and events, public relations history and professionalism, public and cultural diplomacy. ❒ Inverleith, Edinburgh. Her most recent play ‘Thread’ is the second production in Nutshell’s ‘Still Points in a Turning World’ trilogy which toured Fife during the autumn. ❒ QMYOU / Creativity & Culture Q MU WAS DELIGHTED to welcome Professor Jacquie L’Etang as a member of the University’s Division of Media, Communications and Performing Arts this autumn. 15