Dr. Phillip Arceneaux is an Associate Professor of Strategic Communication whose research, public engagement, and teaching sit at the intersection of public relations, political communication, and international affairs.
His scholarship examines how communication shapes public opinion, organizational reputation, political behavior, and international relationships in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. His research focuses on public diplomacy, strategic narratives, organizational storytelling, and agenda-building, with particular attention to how governments, organizations, and public institutions use strategic communication to influence stakeholder perceptions, advance policy objectives, and build trust. Drawing from public relations, political science, international relations, and diplomatic studies, his work contributes to ongoing conversations about communication, democracy, diplomacy, and technological change.
Dr. Arceneaux's research has explored topics including social bots and algorithmic amplification, international reputation management and nation branding, strategic narratives, and the role of digital platforms in shaping political and organizational discourse. His work has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Public Relations Research, Public Relations Review, International Journal of Strategic Communication, Journal of Communication Management, and Journal of Political Marketing. He has also authored numerous book chapters, policy papers, and thought leadership articles.
As a public policy specialist, his issues of interest include foreign policy, national security, and elections. Beyond academia, he has consulted on public relations and strategic communication initiatives across the U.S. diplomatic, defense, and intelligence communities. He has also served as a research consultant for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's Partnership for Countering Influence Operations and the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Project on Prosperity and Development.
Dr. Arceneaux serves as Director of Miami University's Diplomacy Lab, a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of State that connects students with real-world diplomatic and policy challenges. Through collaborations with American embassies and consulates, he oversees experiential learning initiatives that expose students to careers in diplomacy, national security, public diplomacy, and international communication. His leadership has helped bring students to Washington, D.C., and establish international partnerships, professional networking opportunities, and applied research experiences that extend learning far beyond the classroom. He is also a faculty fellow with the Menard Family Center for Democracy.
As an educator, Dr. Arceneaux is committed to preparing students for careers in communication, public relations, public affairs, and media industries through experiential and applied learning. His courses emphasize critical thinking, audience analysis, strategic messaging, cross-cultural engagement, and ethical communication practices. He also manages innovative programs, including Inside New York, Global Brand Management and Storytelling in Ireland, and the MJF Alumni Relations Network, that connect students directly with communication professionals, media producers, legal experts, and industry leaders, helping bridge the gap between theory and practice.
In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Arceneaux actively supports student success through mentorship, professional development initiatives, alumni engagement, and experiential learning opportunities. Through his scholarship, leadership, and public engagement, he seeks to advance understanding of how communication influences institutions, societies, and international affairs while preparing the next generation of communication professionals to navigate complex global challenges with creativity, ethical judgment, and strategic insight.
Dr. Arceneaux received his Ph.D. from the University of Florida, his master's degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and his bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University. He is an active member of the International Communication Association, the International Studies Association, the Public Diplomacy Council of America, the Public Relations Society of America, the Political Public Relations Research Lab, and the World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
