Kara Winton

Kara Winton, APR, CPRC, is an Instructor II in the Department of Communication and Philosophy who brings a wealth of industry expertise to Florida Gulf Coast University. Before joining the university full-time in 2019, she contributed to the department as an adjunct instructor for five years. Her academic career is built upon a foundation of more than 20 years of experience across the journalism, communication, public relations, and marketing industries. As a highly credentialed professional, she holds both the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) and Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC) designations, ensuring her students learn from an expert with proven industry mastery.

Kara specializes in writing, digital storytelling strategy, and campaign development, teaching a diverse range of undergraduate Public Relations courses. Her teaching record is defined by a reflective, learner-focused, and hands-on approach designed to help students master complex communication skills and apply strategic thinking to real-world scenarios. She is deeply committed to continuous improvement, frequently seeking feedback from colleagues and listening to her students to ensure her methods remain effective. Furthermore, she actively networks with professionals in the field to stay current on industry trends, allowing her to better challenge her students to grow and prepare for the modern workforce.

Recognized as a passionate and inspiring instructor, Kara is considered equal parts teacher and mentor by those she instructs. She extends her support beyond the classroom, helping students brainstorm potential career paths that align with their personal interests and directly connecting them with employers for internships and job opportunities. To give her students a competitive edge, she guides them through the national Certificate in the Principles of Public Relations. Although the process is rigorous and time-consuming, she champions this certification because it helps her students stand out against their peers when competing for entry-level jobs in the communication industry.

The success of Kara’s teaching is most clearly evidenced by the professional achievements of her students as they secure competitive internships and post-graduation positions within major companies, organizations, and agencies. In these professional roles, students demonstrate their mastery by strategically planning and producing a wide range of high-level communication tactics, including advertising campaigns, news releases, and news conferences. They also manage social media posts and influencer promotions while designing professional websites, brochures, photography, and videos. Their comprehensive skill set further extends to the execution of special events, showcasing the hands-on training they received under her guidance.

As the Faculty Advisor for the student chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), Kara empowers student leaders to grow their leadership skills while facilitating professional and social experiences on campus. Each Spring, she collaborates with colleagues and local professionals to host "Soaring Connections," a dynamic, speed-dating inspired networking event. The event is a favorite among both students and professionals and has been honored by the FPRA with an Award of Distinction, recognizing it as one of the best public relations projects in the state.

Kara’s commitment to the university community extends to her involvement in professional development and service. She is an active participant in the Student Faculty Partnership Program and frequently attends opportunities provided by the Lucas Center for Faculty Development. For many years, she has also been a dedicated advocate for her colleagues, serving as a leader of the United Faculty of Florida-FGCU Chapter and as the bargaining chair during the collective bargaining process.