Journalism & Mass Communications

Full-Time Faculty

Serajul I. Bhuiyan (Ph.D. in Mass Communications, University of Wisconsin-Madison; M.B.A., Texas University-Texarkana) has 36 years of teaching and administrative experience as a full professor and administrator at various universities in the United States and other countries. Notable interviews included those with President Jimmy Carter, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia, and Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.  He has served as a consultant and faculty developer, and his research interests include communications, technology, and teaching effectiveness.

Reginald Franklin (M.A. in telecommunications, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor) has over 10 years of professional broadcasting experience, including three years at CNN. As a consultant, he has produced, directed, shot, and edited seven documentaries or training videos. Topics have included urban redevelopment, breast cancer, a walking tour of a historic cemetery, and SSU’s legacy. Clients range from Savannah (GA), Hinesville (GA), Savannah State University, Jepson Center for the Arts, Savannah’s Second Baptist Church, and chaplains of the Savannah-Chatham County police department. 

David Marshall (Ph.D., APR, Temple University, media and communication; MJ, Temple University) is the Inaugural dean of the College of Media, Arts, and Communication at Savannah State University. With over two decades of executive leadership in higher education, he has served as dean, president, and vice president across multiple institutions, including Morgan State University and the International College of the Cayman Islands. A former television news anchor and reporter, he has earned accolades, including PR News’ Outstanding HBCU Educator of the Year. 

William Martin (M.A. in professional communications and leadership, Georgia Southern University) has 15 years of professional experience in the television industry. Martin is an award-winning documentary filmmaker who recently directed the documentary Feed the Hungry. As the owner of Seriousways Multimedia, Mr. Martin has created engaging content for clients like Delta Sigma Theta and the Savannah Tribune. Previously, as chief editor at WSAV, he oversaw live news broadcasts and edited video content, honing his expertise in the field. 

Rachael Shaner (M.S. in strategic communications, Agnes Scott College) is a lecturer of Journalism and Mass Communications at Savannah State University. She has experience in recording engineering and music publishing. She previously served as the operations director for the Democratic Party of Georgia, with a focus on progressive human rights initiatives. Her journey includes founding The UnderGo, a nonprofit that enhances arts education and literacy accessibility, as well as working as a journalist for the Savannah Morning News.

Juliana Maria (da Silva) Trammel (Ph.D. in communication and culture, Howard University; M.A. in public communication, American University) has more than 20 years of experience in higher education professorship and administration. An award-winning scholar, Dr. Trammel has published widely on the intersection of communication, new media, and race, both in the United States and Brazil. Dr. Trammel is an expert in curriculum development and assessment and has practiced PR as a social advocate on Capitol Hill and served as a fellow for the United Nations Association.   

Part-Time Faculty

Adam Van Brimmer (B.A., Ohio University, journalism) is a seasoned journalist and newsroom leader with two decades of experience in sports, business, politics, and local government. He serves as a senior reporter and bureau chief at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He previously guided the Savannah Morning News as senior editor and columnist. He grew subscriptions from 1,600 to 7,900 and coordinated cross-site coverage. He is a Gannett Leadership Academy graduate. 

Dean Chambers (MFA, Full Sail University, media design) is a seasoned advertising and branding specialist with expertise in visual storytelling, graphic design, and brand photography. He currently serves as the Visual Communications Manager for the City of Miami Beach. His award-winning work spans government, education, and freelance sectors, including magazine design, city-wide branding, and multimedia campaigns. Known for elevating brand identity through innovative design, he is also a Toastmasters leader and a frequent contributor to professional development conferences. 

Joey Lamar (MA, Indiana University, sports journalism) is a seasoned Sports Director and journalist with over a decade of experience in broadcast media. Mr. Lamar has led sports coverage in Georgia, Florida, North Dakota, and Montana, producing engaging content for high school, college, and professional sports. He’s known for creating innovative shows like “Friday Night Football Frenzy” and “After the Whistle,” mentoring reporters, and covering major events, including the Masters and NCAA tournaments. His storytelling and leadership continue to elevate sports journalism across diverse markets. 

Cesare Giovanni Fabietti (M.A., University of Central Florida, career workforce education) is a film professional with a sharp eye for storytelling and production logistics. Renowned for directing and producing across cinematography, editing, and postproduction, delivering compelling narratives on time and on budget. He has worked for the Center for Cinematography Arts and Television, the Florida Film Institute Summer Camp, and the New York Academy, and served as a lecturer for the Nicholson School of Communication and Media.

Angela Mathis (Ed.D., Morgan State University, higher education administration; M.A.T, art education) is a dynamic digital media and mass communications educator with over two decades of experience across higher education, television, and marketing. She teaches journalism and multimedia courses at Savannah State University and has led award-winning communications teams in both academic and corporate settings. A former BET executive and Emmy-nominated producer, Dr. Mathis has created impactful campaigns, documentaries, and student-centered media initiatives.

Tiara Luten (M.F.A., Fairleigh Dickinson University, creative writing; MA, Savannah College of Arts and Design, Film & Television) is a multidisciplinary storyteller and communications professional with over 20 years of expertise across strategic communications, film and television, media, public relations, and creative writing. Her career includes leadership in PR and healthcare communications, with a focus on directing high-level brand and media initiatives. In Hollywood, she refined her craft as a script supervisor before becoming an independent, award-winning writer and director, excelling in narrative development and on-set collaboration.

Margaret H. Williams (M.P.A., The Ohio State University, public administration) has over 27 years of professional experience in non-profit and government communications and media relations. She holds ADDY Award recognition for public relations work with Savannah’s Hospice program and a SAAVY Award from 3CMA for city government marketing videos. She has taught English and professional development at area technical colleges and local universities, and previously served as Savannah’s assistant director of public information before becoming the chief of staff to the assistant city manager.

The Mass Communications and Journalism Labs at Savannah State University offer a cutting-edge environment designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Located in Whiting Hall, the department boasts modern facilities that support academic excellence and professional skill development. From state-of-the-art iMac labs to an Avid ProTools audio suite and a high-definition television production studio, these resources empower students to explore every facet of media production and storytelling.

The labs feature essential tools for success, including industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Cloud, DaVinci Resolve, and Blender, as well as free access to Adobe Student Accounts and Microsoft Office downloads. Students can also take advantage of an equipment checkout program (details coming soon) and personalized support through the JMC Help Desk, offering live software assistance and virtual sessions with expert coordinators. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, these labs ensure students have the resources they need to thrive in a competitive media landscape.