Karen Freberg, M.A.

Karen Freberg is a third-year doctoral student in public relations at the University of Tennessee. Her research interests include public relations, crisis communications, reputation management and social media. Freberg is currently a graduate teaching associate at the University of Tennessee and an adjunct instructor for West Virginia University.  Freberg will be teaching PR Concepts and Strategy (IMC 618 for the Integrated Marketing Communications Master’s program at West Virginia University). Along with her teaching experience, Freberg has presented at several U.S. and international research conferences, including conferences in the Netherlands, Greece and China.  She also worked as a public relations intern for Total Media in Cape Town, South Africa with clients in the fashion and consumer industry including Amarula, Cape Town Fashion Week, Gavin Rajah and Craig Port. 

Before coming to the University of Tennessee, Freberg attended the University of Southern California for her Master's degree in Strategic Public Relations at the Annenberg School for Communication. Freberg received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations at the University of Florida in August 2005. Freberg was also a four-time All-American in the shot put, USC School record holder, two-time SEC Champion in the shot put (2003), and 2004 Olympic Trials Finalist.