Episode 5: Mary Kay Campbell, Professor of the Practice of Strategic Communication

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Mary Kay “MK” Campbell for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about resilience, purpose, and finding your path—no matter the obstacles. Through meaningful objects like a willow tree angel symbolizing courage and a self-painted phoenix rising from the ashes, MK shares how her life experiences have shaped both who she is and how she teaches.MK opens up about a life-altering car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, walking us through the vivid, unforgettable moments of the crash and the long road to recovery that followed. Rather than letting the experience define her limits, she used it as fuel—rewiring her brain, embracing inspirational speaking, and ultimately rediscovering her passion for teaching.Before entering academia, MK built an impressive career in healthcare marketing and communications, bringing real-world insight (and some unbelievable crisis communication stories) into the classroom. From high-stakes media moments to lessons learned in the C-suite, she now channels those experiences into hands-on, applied learning for her students.Along the way, we also learn about her love for cheerleading, her connection to the octopus as a symbol of cognitive strength, and her unwavering belief that everyone has the ability to rise above adversity and reach their full potential.This episode is equal parts inspiring, eye-opening, and unforgettable—and don’t forget to listen closely for the hidden song lyric woven throughout the conversation.