Excellence in Strategic Communications and Media Relations

Joseph Cockrell is an award-winning writer and corporate communications executive with 25 years of experience leading reputation strategy, media relations, executive communications, and high-stakes crisis response for complex organizations and institutions in higher education. A former journalist, he has served as the primary spokesperson and communications advisor to chief executives, shaping message strategy, managing media, and protecting institutional credibility when the stakes are highest: high-profile litigation, government and Congressional investigations, regulatory scrutiny, public opinion challenges, and major mergers and acquisitions.

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His track record in proactive media relations includes a 600% increase in earned media coverage for a university, communications leadership through a Congressional inquiry, and the successful management of enterprise communications during a significant acquisition. He is a part-time law student in his final year towards earning a J.D., giving him an unusually direct understanding of how communications and legal strategy must work together, and how to navigate the space where they converge.