Shanetta Pendleton

Shanetta M. Pendleton, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of strategic communications at Elon University. Grounding her teaching philosophy in authenticity, equity, and the power of relationship-building, Dr. Pendleton is committed to helping students understand how strategic communicators can use tools to engage diverse publics in meaningful, culturally-responsive ways. Her courses emphasize critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and inclusive communication practices that prepare students to be thoughtful and impactful professionals in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Dr. Pendleton's research focuses on authenticity and relationship management, with particular attention to how organizations use social media to build and sustain meaningful connections with minority audiences. Grounded in principles of relationship management and authenticity, her work explores the effectiveness of digital platforms in fostering trust, transparency, and equity—particularly in the context of corporate social advocacy and socio-political activism.