Dr. Mia Moody

Degrees

• University of Texas, Austin
  Ph.D. in Journalism (Dec. 2006)
• Baylor University
  Master of Arts in Journalism (2001
• Baylor University
  Master of Science in Educational Psychology (Dec. 1998)
• Texas A&M University
  Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (1990)

Research Interests

• The framing of people of color, women and political candidates (mainly via user-generated content).

Books

• Moody, M. (2025, forthcoming). Blackface Memes: Racist Cultural Appropriation In The Twenty-First Century. Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, London
• Moody-Ramirez, M., Cole, H. (2018). Race, Gender & Image Repair Case Studies in the Early 21st Century. Lexington Press.
• Dates, J. & Moody-Ramirez, M. (2018). From Blackface to Black Twitter: Reflections on Black Humor, Race, Politics & Gender. Peter Lang.
• Moody, M., Dates, J. (2013). The Obamas and Mass Media: Race, Gender, Religion, and Politics. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Moody, M. (2008). Black and Mainstream Press’ Framing of Racial Profiling: A Historical Perspective. University Press of America.

Refereed Articles

• Solomon, S., Moody, M. N., & Platenburg, G. (2025, in press). Integrated Newsrooms and DEI: Examining Workplace Satisfaction and Pressing Issues for Black Journalists in the Digital Age. Journal of Mass Communication Quarterly.
• Moody-Ramirez, M., Lemmons, B. P., & Boddie, S. C. (2024). Black Fathers Matter: Messages of Hope in Black Father-Themed Instagram Memes. Journal of Black Studies, 55(2), 183-209.
• Boddie, S. C., Lemmons, B. P., Moody-Ramirez, M., White, G. A. E., Dennis, G., Carter, M., Keys, F. (2023). Finally moving on up: Messages of hope in television programs featuring Black fathers. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 34(2), 234–267. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2023.2268165
• Moody-Ramirez, M. & Subervi, F. Hayg, & Guajardo, E. (2024). Gender, Ethnic/Racial Representation in AEJMC Demographics, Research and Leadership: How Much and What Type of Progress. Journalism Educator. 
• Bland, D.; Moody Ramirez, M.; Platenburg, G.; Lowe., M. & Mosley, L. (2024) Facebook Framing of the First Female U.S. Vice President: An Intersectional Approach to Analyzing Memes Depicting Kamala Harris, Howard Journal of Communications, DOI: 10.1080/10646175.2023.2289974 *1.0 (2022) Impact Factor, 1.3 (2022) 5 year IF, 2.4 (2022) CiteScore (Scopus).
• Moody-Ramirez, M., Byerly, C., Mishra, S., & Waisbord, S. R. (2023). Media Representations and Diversity in the 100 Years of Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 100(4), 826-846. https://doi-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/10.1177/10776990231196894 Impact Factor: 3.6 / 5-Year Impact Factor: 4.5
• Moody-Ramirez, M., Bland, D., & Platenburg, G. (2023). The 2020 Presidential Election: An Examination of the Social Media Messaging of Divine-9 Sororities & Fraternities. Southwestern Mass Communication Journal, 38(2).
• Moody-Ramirez, M. (2022). Memes and Representations of Race: An Analysis of Historical Representations of Welfare. Journal of American Folklore, 135(538), 471-476.
• Moody-Ramirez, M., Guajardo, E. (2022). Representations of Mexican immigrants in 2019 immigration-themed Memes. International Communication Research Journal.
• Moody-Ramirez, M., & Perry Jr, E. L. (2022). Special issue introductory essay. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 99(3), 629-642. (special issue editor)
• Venegas, E.; Scott, L.; LeCompte, K.; Moody-Ramirez, M. & Zhu, Y. (2021). Engaging in “dangerous discussions”: Fostering cultural competence through the analysis of depictions of college life in popular films. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education 14 (1), 37, 202

Refereed Conference Paper Presentations

• Moody-Ramirez, M.; Walkes, M. & Alam, S. (2024). Blackface to TikTok: An Examination of Humor and the Evolution of Blackface” with Moody-Ramirez. Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Conference Philadelphia.
• Moody-Ramirez, M., Bland, D. Platenburg, G. (2024) Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, An Intersectional Approach to Examining TikTok Users’ Framing of Sha’Carri Richardson and Brittney Griner, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Conference, Conference Philadelphia.
• Moody-Ramirez, M., Bland, D. Platenburg, G. (2024) Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, An Intersectional Approach to Examining TikTok Users’ Framing of Sha’Carri Richardson and Brittney Griner, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Midwinter Conference, Norman Oklahoma, United States.
• Moody-Ramirez, M..; Walkes, M. & Alam, S. (2024). Blackface to TikTok: An Examination of Humor and the Evolution of Blackface” with Moody-Ramirez. Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Conference Philadelphia, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Midwinter Conference, Norman, Oklahoma, United States.
• Moody-Ramirez, M.., Subervi, F. Hayg, & Guajardo, E. (2023). Gender, Ethnic/Racial Representation in AEJMC Demographics, Research and Leadership: How Much and What Type of Progress. AEJMC 203 Conference in Washington DC. *Top Paper
• Solomon, S., Moody-Ramirez, M. N., & Platenburg, G. (2023). Integrated Newsrooms and DEI: Examining Workplace Satisfaction and Pressing Issues for Black Journalists in the Digital Age AEJMC 2023 Conference in Washington DC. AEJMC 2023 Conference in Washington DC. *Top Paper
• Mishra, S. & Moody-Ramirez, M. (2023). “Navigating Selling and Solidarity: How Black-Owned Businesses Navigate Crisis and Manage Change,” 73rd Annual ICA Conference in Toronto
• Moody-Ramirez, M.; Alam, S. & Walkes, M. (2022). From Blackface to TikTok: An Analysis of Cultural Appropriation-Themed Memes. 2022 SWEJMC symposium held at Baylor University.
• Moody-Ramirez, M. & Bland, D. Platenburg, G., (2022). The 2020 Presidential Election: An Examination of the Social Media Messaging of Divine-9 Sororities & Fraternities. 2022 SWEJMC symposium held at Baylor University. *Top Paper
• Bland, D. Platenburg, G., Moody-Ramirez, M. & Lowe, M. (2021). Still, she rises: An analysis of Memes and Misinformation about Kamala Harris Moving from U.S. Senator to Vice President. AEJMC 2021 Conference.
• Daniel, G., Madden, S., Mahin, S., Moody-Ramirez, Wakeman, V. (2021). PRSA Educators How to Talk about and Teach DEI. PRSA Academy Panel.
• Bland, D. Platenburg, G., Moody-Ramirez, M. & Lowe, M. (2021). Still, she rises: An analysis of Memes and Misinformation about Kamala Harris Moving from U.S. Senator to Vice President. AEJMC 2021 Conference.
• Bland, D. Platenburg, G., Moody-Ramirez, M. & Lowe, M. (2021). Still, she rises: An analysis of Memes and Misinformation about Kamala Harris Moving from U.S. Senator to Vice President. Midwinter Conference.
• Moody-Ramirez, M., Bland, D. & Cole, H. (2021). A Case Study of BBQ Becky-Themed Memes. Mass Communication and Society Division of AEJMC. Midwinter Conference.
• Moody-Ramirez, M. & Guajardo, E. (2020). A Critical Race-Visual Communication Analysis of Immigration-Themed Memes. AEJMC 2020 Conference. *Top Paper
• Moody-Ramirez, M. (2020). Teaching Students How to Construct Theory. The Communication Theory and Methodology Division. Association for Education in Journalism, Media and Communication 2020 Conference.
• Moody-Ramirez, M. (2020). Electronic News Division Panel: Covering COVID-19, Black Lives Matter, and the Election. Association for Education in Journalism, Media and Communication 2020 Conference.
• Moody-Ramirez, M. (2020). AEJMC Kopenhaver Pre-conference Workshop Panel. Women Faculty Moving Forward: 100 Years from Suffrage to Academic Leadership. Association for Education in Journalism, Media and Communication 2020 Conference.
• Smith, M. & Moody-Ramirez, M. (2019). Flipping the Script: Difficult Dialogues and Blended Learning for Traditional and Online Journalism Courses. Teaching Journalism During a Disruptive Age, World Journalism Education Council, Paris.
• Geertsema-Sligh, M., Bachman, I. Moody-Ramirez, M. (2019). Syndicate on Journalism Education and Gender. Teaching Journalism During a Disruptive Age World Journalism Education Council, Paris.
• Bland, D. & Moody-Ramirez, M. (2019). Black Twitter Representations of #Kavanaugh Hearings. AEJMC Conference. Toronto, Canada.  Commission on the Status of Women.  

Grants & Fundraising

• Helped develop and fund the Moody-Ramirez Belden Diversity Scholarship for Journalism Students. (2021).
• Mia Moody-Ramirez (Principal Investigator, 100%), "A Visual Communication Analysis of Polarizing Sociopolitical Themes in Covid-19 Social Media Content," Sponsored by Facebook Research, Private, Institution Approved. (August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021). (32150112 / 2104439) - Amount Requested: $75,468.00. Not funded. (2020).
• Baylor United Way Fundraising Chair $94,000+ raised. (2018-19).
• Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Achievement (URSA) Small Grant recipient Nov. 14, 2012. Proposal: An Analysis of Negativity in the News Releases of 2008 Primary Presidential Candidates. Amount awarded: $3,186. (2012).
• Institute for Oral History Faculty Fellowship Award 2012-2013. Proposal: The Jasper Dragging Incident – 10 Years Later. Amount. Awarded: $1,500. (2012).
• Institute for Oral History Faculty Fellowship Award 2011-2012. Proposal: The Jasper Dragging Incident –10 Years Later. Amount. Awarded: $2,000. (2011)
• University Research Committee Small Grant recipient. August 1-May 30, 2008. Proposal: A short course on media technology impacts attitudes towards technology and media in at-risk female youth. Amount awarded: $2,700. (2008)
• Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Achievement (URSA) Small Grant recipient Nov. 14, 2007. Proposal: An Analysis of Negativity in the News Releases of 2008 Primary Presidential Candidates. Amount awarded: $2,236. (2007). 

Awards & Honors:

• Baylor Line Foundation Distinguished Alumna Honoree: Baylor University (2025)
• Southwest Education Council for Journalism and Mass Communication SWEJMC Educator Award (2024)
• Butler University College of Communication Distinguished Lecturer, “From Blackface to Black Twitter: Reflections on Black Humor, Race Politics & Gender.” (2022)
• Bill Neher Ethics Award recipient, Butler University College of Communication (2022)
• Waco Women of Distinction, August 30 at the Waco Convention Center (2022)
• Cornelia Marschall Smith Award: Professor of the Year, Baylor University (2021)
• Baylor University Newsmaker Award (2019)
• The 2018 AEJMC Professional Freedom and Responsibility (PF&R) committee focuses on five core areas: Free Expression, Ethics, Media Criticism and Accountability, Diversity and Inclusion, and Public Service. (2018)
• 2018 Lionel C. Barrow Jr. Award for Distinguished Achievement in Diversity Research and Education (2018)
• AEJMC Institute for Diverse Leadership in Journalism and Communication Fellow (2018)
• Head of the AEJMC Minorities and Communication Division (2017-18)
• Elected to the AEJMC Professional Freedom and Responsibility (PF&R) committee, which focuses on five core areas: Free Expression, Ethics, Media Criticism and Accountability, Diversity and Inclusion, and Public Service. (2017)
• Top Faculty and Student Abstract Collaboration at the 2017 Educators Academy Mini-Friday conference sponsored by Baylor JPRNM (2017)
• Student Life – Outstanding Partner Nominee (2017)
• Baylor University Fellow, Academy of Teaching and Learning. The Baylor Fellows Program recognizes professors across the disciplinary spectrum who exemplify excellence in teaching. Baylor Fellows are committed to pedagogical innovation, inspirational teaching, and the cultivation of these among Baylor faculty. (2016-17)
• AEJMC Outstanding Woman in Journalism and Mass Communication Education by the Commission on the Status of Women. This award honors a woman who has represented women well through excellence and high standards. (2016-17)

Editorial Boards

• 2023 to present,  Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, flagship publication of AEJMC
• 2023 to present, Journal of Social Media in Society 

Academic Related Professional Service & Membership:

• Elected Vice President for the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (will become president in 2026). (2024)
• Elected Vice President of AEJMC Commission on the Status of Minorities. (2023)
• Membership Chair, AEJMC Minorities & Communication Division. (2021)
• AEJMC Teaching Committee (2021-22)
• Head, AEJMC Minorities & Communication Division (2018-2019)
• Secretary, AEJMC Commission on the Status of Women (2014-16)
• Appointed to the AEJMC Strategic Plan Implementation Committee (2013-14)
• AEJMC Small Programs Interest Group research paper co-chair (2013-14)
• Midwinter Conference Chair for the AEJMC Minorities (2013-14)

Department Service

• 2013 to present, Diversity Committee (led original committee that wrote first Diversity Plan).
• 2019 to present, Baylor Journalism, Public Relations & New Media Scholarship Committee Chair
• 2013 to present, Strategic Planning Committee
• SACs/SLOPE report contributor (2013)
• Alumni Newsletter Editor/Writer (2019)
• Curriculum Committee (2019)
• Assessment Committee (2019)

Baylor University Committees:

• 2023-24, A&S Deans Executive Chair Committee
• 2019 to present, Invitation to Excellence Code Red Committee
• Academic Council for Diversity and Belonging (2022)
• Student Organization Review Board (2022)
• Arts & Sciences Diversity, Equity & Conclusions Committee Co-Chair (2021)
• Baylor Commission on Historical Representations (2021)
• COACHE URM Faculty Experience Working Group (2021)

Background

• Former Editor for the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas' Women's Ministry Magazine
• Former Blogger for the Waco Tribune-Herald
• Editor and publisher of FOR Seasons magazine and Elegant Woman magazine (1997-2001)
• Managing editor, Stevens Publishing (1997-1999)
• Staff writer and columnist for the lifestyle section of the Waco Tribune-Herald (1990-1997)
• General assignment reporter and intern, Bryan-College Station Eagle (1988-1990)

Year Started at Baylor

• 2001

Courses 

• Theory of Mass Communication
• Public Relations Media Programming
• Gender, Race and Media
• Reporting and Writing for Media
• Writing for Media Markets

Interests & Hobbies

• Media's framing of various issues including minorities, women and campaign strategies.
• Proud mother of Heidi, a pastry chef, and Timothy and William, Baylor students.

Favorite Thing About Teaching

"I like serving as a mentor to students and helping them reach their full potential."

Favorite Thing About Baylor

"I like the collegiality of our department. We all get along well and enjoy working together. I also enjoy working in Waco. It is just the right size for my family--not too small or too big and it is centrally located."