Faculty Spotlight
Degrees and Experience
- M.A. Communication, emphases in media literacy and public relations (University of Colorado Denver)
- B.A. Speech Communication, emphasis in broadcast journalism (Colorado State University)
- More than 15 years in broadcasting including CBS NEWS4 in Denver and the Colorado Broadcaster's Association
Biography and Professional Achievements
In today's technologically-driven society of social media and pop culture, it is critical for students to learn how to integrate media literacy with a Christian worldview. Susan Pahlau teaches students how to see beyond the illusions and images in mediated images and rather use media as a positive tool to communicate God's message of hope to those in need.
Susan Pahlau was the co-coordinator of the second annual CCU "Internship Reception" with more than 100 students in attendance and 10 scheduled companies/ministries. She met with students weekly to help them secure internships and she networks regularly to form relationships with company/ministry leaders for student internships. Pahlau accompanies CCU students to association meetings to help them network in their desired industries which include the Meeting Planners International (MPI) Association meeting and the International Special Events Society (ISES) internship/career expo.
Pahlau takes CCU students in the field to gain hands-on experience including places like the Denver Broncos with a tour of Sports Authority; GroundFloor Media; 9NEWS; Linhart PR; KEZW-AM at Entercom; NEWS4, and ROOT SPORTS.
She has a goal of securing influential guest speakers in the classroom including: Marc Stout - ROOT SPORTS/Rockies TV announcer; Scott Lundeen - Mile High Ministries; Wendy Henkelmen - K-LOVE Radio; Candies Liu - Social Media Specialist, and Tracy Rath - MPI/International Event Planners.
Pahlau is the faculty advisor for XPRESS to give direction for the CCU chapel club. She also helped develop and currently teaches the communication capstone course: Public Relations Campaigns and Event Planning.Presentations and Speeches
- Presented a research paper in Florida at the National Communication Association entitled: Nurturing Productive Conflict in the College Classroom and the Development of Communication Curricula.
- Keynote speaker at Open Door Ministry women's tea;
- keynote for Cherry Hills Community Church, MOPS;
- Speaker at the Regional Women's Conference - TCWA (The Christian Women's Association)
- Keynote for Greenwood Community Church, MOPS;
- Keynote for Castlerock CBS Bible Study
- Keynote for women's retreat at Crow Hill Baptist.