Dr. Barbara Shoemake

Known as Dr. Barb by many of her students, Barbara Shoemake was described as a “dedicated professional” by many of her peers and colleagues.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism in 1982 and a Master of Science degree in public relations in 1985, both from the University of Southern Mississippi.  Shoemake received a doctorate in mass communication from the University of Alabama in 1995.  After joining the Southern Miss faculty in 1992, she organized and advised the Public Relations Student Society of America and taught both undergrad courses and grad seminars.  She was a founding member of the Pine Belt Chapter of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi and was named “Practitioner of the Year” by the organization in 1997.  A compassionate woman, Shoemake was a member of the first local organizing committee of Camp Bluebird, a camp for cancer patients.  She was inducted posthumously into the MCJ Hall of Fame in 2009.