Erika Schneider

Erika Schneider is a public relations scholar who specializes in strategic communication with an emphasis on crisis communication. She teaches courses in PR writing and theory, crisis communication, social media and digital innovation.

Schneider’s research investigates the purpose and effects of crisis communication. She often uses experimental design studies to assess how message strategies influence organizational outcomes and stakeholder perceptions, such as trust and discrete emotions. Schneider’s research in PR Review evaluates the effects of proactive strategies for organizations to utilize during disinformation crises. Other work published in academic journals recognizes how crises amplify in the context of social media.

In 2021, Schneider started the Crisis Communication Club at Syracuse University. The group includes undergraduate and graduate students contributing research on how organizations can utilize PR strategies to address emerging topics. She has received top paper awards at AEJMC and IPRRC, and has association or committee memberships with ICA, AEJMC and NCA.

Prior to this appointment, Schneider attended the University of Missouri and earned a Ph.D. in journalism with an emphasis in public relations. She earned a master’s degree in communication at Marquette University and a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from North Dakota State University.