Dr. Lan Ni Honored with CLASS Distinguished Faculty Award for Intercultural Public Relations Scholarship
Dr. Lan Ni, a professor at the Valenti School of Communication, has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing research in intercultural public relations.
Her work has earned her international recognition and, most recently, the CLASS Distinguished Faculty Award, one of the most prestigious honors given by the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
“I was thrilled when I found out,” Dr. Ni said. “It’s not about one specific project but a comprehensive body of work that integrates research, teaching, and service. I’m grateful for this recognition.”
Dr. Ni’s career exemplifies excellence in academia, marked by groundbreaking research that bridges public relations, culture and social issues.
Her focus on intercultural public relations explores how organizations engage with culturally diverse communities to build relationships, address conflicts and empower marginalized groups.
A Scholar of Global Impact
Since joining UH in 2006, Dr. Ni has emerged as a leading voice in public relations scholarship. Her research examines how cultural identity influences public relations practices, with particular emphasis on immigrant and minority groups.
“Public relations is not just about organizations; it’s about people,” Dr. Ni explained. “My research focuses on how we can foster better understanding and collaboration across cultural boundaries.”
Her contributions to the field are vast. Over the past three years alone, Dr. Ni has published eight journal articles, seven book chapters and an edited book. Her work frequently appears in top-tier academic journals such as the Journal of Public Relations Research and Public Relations Review.
A notable highlight is her 2022 edited book, Intercultural Public Relations: Realities and Reflections in Practical Contexts, published by Routledge, the leading academic publisher in the humanities and social sciences.
The book builds upon her earlier work, Intercultural Public Relations: Theories for Managing Relationships and Conflicts with Strategic Publics, which is considered a foundational text in the field.
“These books are significant because they combine theoretical frameworks with real-world applications,” Dr. Ni said. “They are used by scholars and practitioners to understand how to navigate cultural dynamics effectively.”
Her work on intercultural public relations theory was also featured in Public Relations Theory III, a widely adopted text for advanced courses in the field. Dr. Ni co-authored a chapter that synthesizes decades of her research into a cohesive framework, offering a roadmap for scholars and practitioners alike.
Research with Real-World Relevance
Dr. Ni’s scholarship is not confined to academic journals—it addresses pressing societal issues with direct applications. She has secured over $274,000 in research grants since 2020, including funding from the National Science Foundation.
One of her NSF-funded projects examined public reactions to COVID-19 communications, focusing on how cultural differences shape behavior during crises.
Another study, supported by UH’s Presidential Research Grant, investigated racism’s impact on communities and strategies for fostering interracial solidarity.
“These grants allow us to tackle complex cultural and social challenges,” Dr. Ni said. “From public health to racial equity, the work we do has a tangible impact on people’s lives.”
Dr. Ni’s ability to connect public relations with STEM disciplines, such as engineering and computer science, has also set her apart. She has collaborated on interdisciplinary projects that address energy justice, decarbonization and other global challenges.
“Communication is at the heart of every major societal issue,” she said. “Whether it’s climate change or public health, understanding how to engage diverse audiences is essential.”
Teaching and Mentorship
Beyond her research, Dr. Ni is a passionate educator who integrates her scholarship into the classroom. At the Valenti School, she has guided countless students in developing campaigns that address social and cultural issues.
“Our students are incredibly hard-working and creative,” she said. “I strive to give them the tools they need to succeed in a diverse and dynamic world.”
In 2017, Dr. Ni oversaw the award-winning “Me to We” campaign, a student-led initiative that promoted understanding and dialogue on immigration and border security.
The campaign’s tagline, “Disagreement doesn’t equal hate,” resonated deeply in an increasingly polarized climate.
“Projects like this show the power of public relations to bridge divides,” Dr. Ni said. “It’s rewarding to see students apply what they’ve learned to make a difference.”
Recognition and Service
Dr. Ni’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she received the Grunig Alumni Excellence Award from the University of Maryland, her alma mater. The award recognizes her outstanding achievements in public relations research and practice.
She has also served as a senior associate editor for the Journal of Public Relations Research and associate editor for Negotiation and Conflict Management Research, demonstrating her leadership in the field.
“Editorship is an opportunity to shape the direction of scholarship,” Dr. Ni said.
A Legacy of Innovation
Dr. Ni’s work continues to evolve as she tackles new challenges. She is currently leading a research project on the implications of race-conscious admissions policies in higher education, exploring how these changes will affect workforce diversity and social equity.
“This research is timely and critical,” she said. “Education and workforce diversity are interconnected, and we need to understand how policies shape these dynamics.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Ni hopes to further her interdisciplinary collaborations and expand the impact of her research.
“My goal is to promote cultural understanding and reduce polarization,” she said. “Public relations is about building relationships, and that’s more important now than ever.”
A Distinguished Career
Dr. Ni’s achievements exemplify the mission of the Valenti School: to advance knowledge and foster connections in a global society.
As the recipient of the CLASS Distinguished Faculty Award, Dr. Ni joins the ranks of UH’s most accomplished scholars. For her, the honor is both a recognition of past achievements and a motivation to continue making a difference.
“This award is not just about me,” she said. “It’s about the students, colleagues, and communities who inspire me every day. Together, we can create a more inclusive and connected world.”
From the classroom to the global stage, Dr. Lan Ni’s legacy is one of innovation, impact and inspiration—a testament to the power of intercultural communication to transform lives.