This Rural Health Leadership Radio episode features a conversation with Dr. Matt Seeger,  Distinguished University Professor at Wayne State University, who has extensively studied organizational behavior, communication, and crisis management and response. Dr. Seeger shares his unique story as an undergraduate student deeply affected by a tragedy and how that led him to become a leading expert in crisis communication. We discuss the critical role of leadership in navigating crises, especially in rural communities. If you want to learn more about crisis and emergency communication check this website out: https://emergency.cdc.gov/cerc/

“It’s really the whole community that is going to facilitate an effective crisis response”

-Matthew W. Seeger, Ph.D.

 Matthew W. Seeger, Ph.D., a Distinguished University Professor of Communication and Dean Emeritus, is renowned for his expertise in crisis and emergency risk communication, particularly in the context of infectious disease outbreaks, health promotion, and resilience and renewal post-crisis. His significant contributions include working closely with the CDC, the National Center for Food Protection and Defense, and being a part of the WHO Guidelines Development Group for Emergency Risk Communication. Dr. Seeger’s research, supported by the CDC, NSF, NIH, and the State of Michigan, has led to over 200 publications, including the CDC’s Handbook for Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication. 

He has also authored several influential books on crisis communication and risk management. A founding editor of The Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research, Seeger’s insights have been featured in major media outlets. He is a Fellow of the International Communication Association, and a member of the Wayne State University Academy of Scholars. He has received numerous awards for his service and scholarship in communication, including induction into the Public Relations Society of America, Detroit Chapter, and Hall of Fame.