By Allison White/reporter

A University of Central Arkansas associate professor will speak about the importance of organizations developing a crisis communication plan March 16.

JJ McIntyre is regarded as “a scholar, practitioner, and consultant in risk and crisis communication,” according to his college website. 

Published in academic journals, some of his topics include the role of local radio in crisis management, food contamination disasters and school shootings. 

“Crisis communication is a field of study that includes many perspectives that explain a variety of issues that face individuals, groups, and organizations,” McIntyre said. “My talk will focus on an organization’s communication response to public claims of wrongdoing.” 

 For example, what communication strategies did Blue Bell Ice Cream use when consumers and regulatory agencies were upset with the listeria contamination in 2015, he asked.

McIntyre is a past president of the Central States Communication Association public relations division. 

He has served on several journal editorial boards, collaborated with numerous local organizations, such as first responder groups and local businesses, and helped create a diverse and responsive crisis communication team at his own university. 

McIntyre was a research fellow for the Homeland Security Center of Excellence and has conducted research for and consulted with national organizations involved in crisis communication such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

NW communications department chair, Zachary Frohlich, said all students are welcome to attend this presentation at 11 a.m. in the Walsh Library.