New Orleans native Dr. Shaniece B. Bickham was recently appointed the Director of the school of Communication and Design, bringing 20 years of experience in higher education and print media to Loyola University.
Bickham has an extensive background in higher education leadership, journalism, and public relations. Before taking the position at Loyola, Bickham held positions at several institutions. Her journey in media started in traditional print media. Bickham then made the transition from print media to public relations.
Bickham has a strong base in Louisiana and has worked at various colleges in the state, including a recent stint at Dillard University as an associate professor and program coordinator. In that position, Bickham oversaw Dillard’s Mass Communications program. In pre-Katrina years, Bickham excelled in the on-campus Master’s program at Loyola.
“I am excited to take the experience that I’ve learned over the years and use that in my new role here at Loyola,” Bickham said.
Bickham has always considered her journey a nontraditional one. She worked in the media industry while pursuing a master’s degree and her doctorate.
Not only does she have the guidance over students as a faculty member, she also has gained much from her media experience to share with students pursuing a career in media.
“I’ve worked [in New Orleans] locally as a writer and managing editor for Data News Weekly, which is a minority-owned community newspaper here in the city. I also served as a community columnist for the Times-Picuyne, really focusing on the West Bank community,” Bickham said.
In continuing to work in media/public relations while attaining her degrees afforded her the advantage of staying abreast with media standards. Bickham noted that the experience has given her the opportunity to not only give students information from the textbooks but also give students the tools that are imperative to navigate the real world when it comes to media.
The wisdom that Bickham has gained in not only her educational career but also her professional career has led her to Loyola and prepared her for this new role.
As for what she has planned for the program, Bickham is “looking to enhance the community partnerships that we have by identifying additional community partners that we have that will help contribute to our overall goals.”
In her free time, Bickham is a self-admitted foodie. She enjoys going out to eat, fine dining or not, with her friends. She also enjoys engaging in service projects in her community. The hobby she is most passionate about is writing.
Bickham is excited to add her expertise to the School of Communication and Design and make students feel that they are supported and seen.
