New to California and Cal State Fullerton this fall, Robert Meeds, associate professor of communications, brings an extensive academic background that includes teaching, research and service as a department chair. He also brings an expertise as a consultant in the areas of marketing communications, including brand perception measurement, product development and advertising copy testing.
Meeds earned a doctorate in journalism from the University of Missouri, as well as a master’s in English and bachelor’s in journalism with an advertising specialization from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.
Why did you pursue the opportunity to join the Titan community?
The communications programs at Cal State Fullerton have had a really strong reputation for a long time. I had been working abroad at Qatar University for a few years, but I wanted to return to the U.S. for family reasons. This was a wonderful opportunity to join a great program and live in a lovely area.
What do you most look forward to now that you’re here?
The College of Communications offers me are a lot of opportunities to teach courses that fit with my teaching and research interests.
What areas of continued scholarship and research are of particular interest to you?
My main research area has been focused on how people process ads and marketing communications. Some of this research deals with the language they encounter – what kinds of words and phrases hold their interest. But as I’ve started using eye-tracking technology in recent years, I’ve been able to extend my research to how people process design and graphic elements as well.
What are some of your outside activities, hobbies or interests?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, cycling, baseball, traveling and exploring Southern California, now that I live here.