Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Communication, Culture & Media Studies
Howard University
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Faculty
Faculty
Brandale Mills Cox, Ph.D. ( she/her/hers)
Assistant Professor
Department/Office
- Communication Studies
School/College
- School of Communications
Biography
Brandale Mills Cox, Ph.D. is a professor, researcher, communications professional and training facilitator. She is currently a tenure track professor at Howard University (Washington, DC) in the Strategic, Legal and Management Communication Department where she teaches Advanced Public Relations writing and Public Affairs & Management. She was formerly a communications faculty member at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator at Norfolk State University (Norfolk, VA) in the Mass Communications and Journalism department. In this role, she taught communications courses, supervised the graduate program and its students, in addition to coordinating the program’s logistics.
Her passion for diverse representation is seen in her book, “Black Women Filmmakers and Black Love on Screen” which offers a thorough examination of depictions of Black Love in films directed by Black women and the importance of diversity in Hollywood to create a more comprehensive representation of communities of color.
As a public relations practitioner, she has worked as the Director of Communications at the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office where she handled media outreach and planning on behalf of the office’s initiatives. She also worked as a Media Specialist for the United States Census Bureau, publicizing 2020 Census efforts throughout the state of New Mexico.
Mills Cox earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Print Journalism from the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, New Mexico), her Master of Arts and Doctorate degree from Howard University (Washington, DC) in Mass Communications and Media Studies and Communication, Culture and Media Studies. In 2021, she was named one of Albuquerque Business First’s “40 under 40” leaders in the state and she is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Education & Expertise
Education
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Mass Communications and Media Studies
Howard University
Bachelor of Arts
Print Journalism
University of New Mexico
Expertise
Black Feminism
Black Consumer Habits & Engagement
Black Love Representation in the Media
Black Family Representation in the Media
Academics
Academics
Advanced Public Relations Writing
CapComm
Introduction to Communications & Professional Development
Introduction to Strategic Communications
Public Affairs & Management
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
Diversity Action Alliance, Top 50 Communicators GEMS; September 2024
Albuquerque Business First’s “40 under 40”; 2021
Phoenix Award; The Pyramid Project; June 2018
Bouchet Honor Society Member; April 2017
Featured News
Featured News
Read: Essence | Beyond the Pages: Before it was a brand, it was a birthright. ESSENCE made space – then made history
Read: The Malindi Press | Rooted in Purpose: How Dr. Brandale Mills Cox Bridges Academia, Media, and Advocacy
Read: The New York Times | Being a Mother Is Hard Work. Is It Actually Harder on Millennial Moms?
Read: TheGrio | ‘The Millennial Motherhood Experience’ study underscores why Black women need pay equity
Publications and Presentations
Publications and Presentations
Aligning CSR, DEI, and Public Relations
This research investigates the intersection of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies, and financial performance within the context of the top 5 consumer-facing organizations. Utilizing a corporate social responsibility framework, the study assesses the implementation of DEI strategies in the public relations and stakeholder engagement strategies of these organizations. Results indicate a clear valuation of DEI practices among these companies, evidenced by their proactive engagement in social and environmental activism. Furthermore, there is a notable emphasis on highlighting diverse employee experiences, underscoring their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between CSR, DEI, and financial performance in contemporary corporate environments.
Portraying Black Love in the Media
This review of literature delves into the depiction of Black love in the media, analyzing its correlation with real-life experiences of Black romantic relationships and families. Employing critical race theory as a lens of analysis, the review examines how media portrayals influence societal perceptions and expectations of Black love. The study explores the historical context of Black love representation, highlighting past stereotypes and their implications. Moreover, it investigates contemporary media content, emphasizing the emergence of more diverse and authentic portrayals particularly for Black millennial audiences.
Race, romance, and Hollywood
Race, romance, and Hollywood: Black women filmmakers and the cultural production of Black love
Hollywood has been instrumental in the construction of Blackness on screen, often perpetuating myths, stereotypes, and negative images about the Black experience, showcasing Black people as aggressive, unloving, and incapable of maintaining a healthy romantic relationship. With more diversity efforts in Hollywood, Black women have become more empowered to reshape those narratives. So, what happens when these women intentionally provide a diverse representation of Blackness? What depictions of Blackness and love are prevalent when Black women drive the story? Using Black Feminist Thought as a theoretical framework, this essay examines the narratives surrounding love in the films The Photograph and Really Love (2020), both written and directed by Black women. Using thematic analysis of the film’s narratives, cinematography, casting, sound design, and character development, this study found the films Really Love (2020) and The Photograph (2020) offer a new conception of Black Love in Hollywood. These deliberate considerations demonstrate the intention Black women film writers take in depicting a full expression of Blackness, including romantic and intimate relationships.