My classroom is a space where students analyze media systems, question narratives, and develop the communication skills necessary to participate in public discourse in a rapidly changing media landscape.
My research explores how identity influences the types of traditional and emerging media people choose to engage with, and how those choices shape cognitive and emotional outcomes that influence behaviors.
Déjà Rollins is a media scholar, educator, and former broadcast professional whose work sits at the intersection of media, identity, and emotional experience. Before entering academia, she was behind the microphone working in radio and in front of the camera reporting and producing nightly television news. This is where she developed the storytelling instincts that now shape her teaching and research.
"Deja and I worked for the same companies at different times, but I was very aware of her experience, her knowledge and her work ethic, all exemplary. Her interest in constantly staying on the cutting edge of any new media trends, combined with her current experience and enthusiasm, make her a very valuable asset to any organization."
"Intelligent, spirited and determined are characteristics that describe Deja Rollins. It was those characteristics that made it clear to me that Deja was not only a person that I should hire, but that I should mentor. The passion that Deja applies to every challenge is a virtual guarantee of her success."
"Deja and I go way back to our undergrad days at University of Texas at Tyler. I've known her as a colleague within the communications/media industry and I've had the privilege of getting to know her better as a mentor. Deja is a very diligent, detail-oriented leader and overall professional."
"Ms. Dee was clearly passionate about the subject being taught. She also had the credentials to teach public speaking and seemed to be extremely confident, a mark of an excellent instructor. Ms. Dee was also very energetic during class, which made the class more interesting, especially given that it was a morning class when most students are tired and do not want to learn."
"Absolutely loved having her as a teacher. Some of her major strengths were her passion for the subject, her consideration and respect for the students, the incredible energy she brought to class every morning, her organized way of arranging and proceeding through course material, and her encouragement and constructive criticism that allowed us to grow as students. She genuinely was one of the best teachers I have had here at UIUC in my four years of attending."
