Wendy Melillo Associate Professor Journalism
- Degrees
- BA Print Journalism/International Relations, American University; MA History of Ideas, Johns Hopkins University; MA International Communications, American University
- Bio
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Wendy Melillo is a full-time professor of Journalism. She teaches in the School of Communication's Journalism division. Her research is focused on how strategic communication influences society and the media. Melillo was a reporter for The Washington Post, earning a Pulitzer Prize nomination and an award from the White House Correspondents' Association for her coverage of the United Way scandal. She spent nearly a decade covering political advertising and strategic communication planning for the business publication Adweek before joining SOC.
Her first book was published in 2013, How McGruff and the Crying Indian Changed America. The book discusses the compelling - and sometimes controversial - story of the Ad Council and the campaigns that have become part of the nation’s collective memory.
- See Also
- Wendy Melillo Bio
- Wendy Melillo Website
- For the Media
- To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.
Teaching
Fall 2024
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COMM-200 Writing for Communication
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COMM-425 Advanced Reporting
Spring 2025
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COMM-425 Advanced Reporting
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COMM-462 Journalism Capstone
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HNRS-398 Honors Challenge Course
Scholarly, Creative & Professional Activities
Research Interests
- Public Service Advertising
- Marketing and Culture
- Public Communication
- Journalism
Honors, Awards, and Fellowships
- Raymond Clapper Memorial Association Congressional Award, The United Way Scandal, 1992
- Penney-Missouri Newspaper Awards, Health and Nutrition Reporting, 1986
Teaching
Selected Publications
Media Appearances
- NBC4, February 2, 2009, Critique of the Super Bowl Ads
- CBS Evening News With Katie Couric, June 14, 2007, Review of the decision by Kellogg to no longer market some of its products like Pop Tarts to children
AU Experts
Area of Expertise
Public service advertising and marketing, political advertising, strategic communication for business, public service messages
Additional Information
Wendy Melillo was a reporter for the Washington Post.During her tenure with the Post,she earned a Pulitizer Prize nomination and an award from the White House Correspondents' Association for her coverage of the United Way scandal. She spent nearly a decade covering political advertising and strategic communication planning for the business trade publication Adweek before joining the School of Communication.
For the Media
To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.