About

Roseann “Chic” Canfora joined the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Kent State as an Adjunct Professor in 2006, having previously taught high school journalism and communications in a career that spanned 28 years in K-12 education. She joined the full-time faculty in the School of Media & Journalism at Kent State in 2021. As a Professional in Residence at KSU today, Dr. Canfora teaches Media Writing, Media, Power and Culture, Ethics and Issues in Media & Communication, and Teaching High School Journalism in the School of Media and Journalism.  in the College of Communication and Information. she has taught CCI's Seminar in Media & Movements.

Dr. Canfora transitioned to K-12 Administration in 2009 in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, where she served Ohio’s second-largest school district as Chief Communications Officer for more than 12 years. While at CMSD, Dr. Canfora introduced and successfully implemented a brand journalism strategy that transformed her department from a public relations office to a highly-functioning news and information hub in the District. She implemented this successful strategy by recruiting journalists in the Cleveland newspaper and television markets, including reporters covering education at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, WKYC and WCPN/IdeaStream.

Dr. Canfora’s expertise in crisis communication led to an invitation in 2018 from the Council of the Great City Schools to assist the public information office of Broward County Public Schools with crisis communication and media management following the shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School. At the request of CGCS, she co-authored a COVID Communications Guidebook for PR Executives in 2018 and in 2024, she authored a Crisis Communications Guidebook focused on communicating before, during and after an active shooter event.

In addition to her teaching duties at KSU, Dr. Canfora works in the KSU President’s Office as Chair of the May 4 Presidential Advisory Committee and as Chair of the university’s May 4 Commemoration Committee.  An eye-witness and survivor of the historic Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970, Chic remains a stalwart advocate for May 4 remembrance and for the importance of connecting the lessons of the U.S. anti-war movement to emerging movements today, including Black Lives Matter and March for Our Lives. 

Education

Ph.D in Educational Administration - Kent State University (2001)

M.A. in Journalism and Public Relations - Kent State University (1987)

B.S. in English/Speech - Kent State University (1976)