At Penn State World Campus, quality education starts with real Penn State faculty who teach online.
For more than 25 years, Penn State faculty who teach on campus and online have been an integral part of the University’s mission to expand access to a Penn State education.
Holly Overton is on the faculty of the Penn State Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, one of the country’s leading schools for media and communications education. She is an associate professor of communications and serves as the director of the college’s master’s programs and graduate studies.
Overton teaches in the online Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Communications, which the Bellisario College offers exclusively online through Penn State World Campus.
Overton combines academic rigor with real-world relevance and a deep commitment to student success. She holds the prestigious Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), a mark of professional excellence that reinforces her focus on ethical practice, strategic thinking, and industry-aligned instruction.
With a teaching philosophy rooted in mentorship, ethical advocacy, and experiential learning, Overton helps students not only master the material but also believe in themselves.
As a researcher, Overton conducts public relations research and has published more than 45 peer-reviewed journal articles and co-authored a textbook on media ethics. Her research expertise is in public relations ethics, corporate social responsibility communication, and corporate social advocacy.
Learn more about Holly Overton in the Q&A below.
Which courses have you taught?
I have taught four courses:
- COMM 530: Research Methods in Strategic Communications
- COMM 830: Strategic Communications Industry
- COMM 833: Ethics and Decision-Making in Strategic Communications
- COMM 835: Social Media Communications
What is your teaching philosophy?
I view teaching as a privilege and strive to spark lifelong curiosity through interactive, inclusive, and meaningful virtual experiences. My approach centers on experiential learning, social responsibility, ethical advocacy, and mentorship — connecting students to real-world challenges through case studies, multimedia projects, and community-based assignments.
What do you enjoy most about teaching online?
I thoroughly enjoy connecting with students from throughout the United States and the world. The virtual classroom brings together students with a wide range of cultural backgrounds, professional experiences, and personal perspectives, which enriches our discussions and enhances the learning experiences for everyone.
I especially value the chance to work with students from a wide range of industry sectors and professional backgrounds, as they bring real-world insights and practical knowledge that elevate our discussions.
What do students say?
One student described a course as “an incredible journey filled with emotions,” crediting Dr. Overton’s support with helping her overcome self-doubt and embrace a new career path. The student said, “Negative thoughts, like ‘I'm too old’ or ‘I'm not smart enough,’ tried to creep into my mind, but as I committed myself to this class, those thoughts began to fade. It has been a challenging fight, but your support, Dr. Holly, has been transformative.”
Another said, “Dr. Holly, you embody what quality education looks like. You are fair, funny, and fierce!”
What challenges have you faced in teaching online, and how have you addressed them?
The communications field is constantly changing. I focus on continuous professional development and regularly update course materials to reflect real-world practices in this field. I seek student feedback throughout the course to ensure assignments remain relevant and engaging.
I have found that by staying flexible, responsive, and dedicated to designing learning experiences, I can ensure that my courses will empower students with the skills they need to succeed.
How do you support student success in your online courses?
First and foremost, I aim to build community and connection in every course that I teach. I want students to feel connected, supported, and engaged. I strive to find opportunities for students to connect, whether that be through a student/faculty introduction discussion forum, creating assignments that involve teamwork and collaboration, weekly announcements that include words of encouragement and support, and direct outreach to students on an individual basis.
Dr. Holly, you embody what quality education looks like. You are fair, funny, and fierce!
Describe your contributions to the program in which you teach.
I’ve facilitated several curriculum enhancements in the MPS program, particularly in digital media analytics.
I’ve led curriculum enhancements to help students better inform strategy, measure impact, and demonstrate value. I revised COMM 530 and COMM 830 to reflect these updates, and supported other course revisions in digital media analytics, with more initiatives launching in 2026.
Please share any of your recent accomplishments, awards, or recognitions.
I recently earned the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) certification — a distinction that serves as a mark of professional excellence.
The APR enhances my teaching by grounding course content in current industry standards, ethical practice, and strategic thinking. It allows me to bring real-world insights into the virtual classroom, helping students connect theory to practice through case studies, applied assignments, and professional scenarios.
The APR credential also reinforces my commitment to lifelong learning and mentorship, while modeling the professional values — such as accountability, credibility, and ethical communication — that are essential for student success in the evolving communications field.
Share a moment when you were especially proud of teaching online.
I have two memories that make me feel especially grateful and proud to be part of the Penn State World Campus community.
I remember the first time I met one of our graduating students. She had traveled from Florida to participate in commencement at Penn State's University Park campus. I had corresponded with her virtually for years and worked with her in several courses, but it was especially rewarding to meet her in person for the first time.
I also felt proud when a group of students in the master’s in strategic communications program shared a selfie they took together at commencement. Similarly, these students had been part of our Penn State World Campus community for years, collaborated on class projects, and more, and they finally had the opportunity to meet in person that weekend.
A Penn State education online
Penn State World Campus has been offering a Penn State education online since 1998 and is consistently recognized as one of the top institutions for online learning in Pennsylvania and the country.
Today, Penn State World Campus offers a comprehensive selection of more than 200 degree and certificate programs.
Faculty like Holly Overton are the foundation of the diverse variety of programs and academic excellence.
Learn more about the Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Communications that is offered online at Penn State through Penn State World Campus.
