Collegiate Affiliation
Teaching Associate Professor,
Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication
Links
Personal website

Shayla Thiel-Stern joined the Hubbard School in Fall 2024 as a member of the strategic communications teaching faculty. She previously was an associate professor at the University of Minnesota from 2007-2014, and a member of the faculty at the DePaul University College of Communication from 2004-2007. 

A marketing and communications leader with expertise in leading multi-platform marketing initiatives, content, social media strategy and media teams, Thiel-Stern recently headed up content and creative strategy for UnitedHealthcare's Level2. She was the VP of Content Marketing at ServeMinnesota (AmeriCorps), Editorial & Content Director for Twin Cities PBS/Next Avenue, and Senior Digital Strategist at Fast Horse. She owns her own consulting practice, Uncommon Teal, that specializes in social, content and digital strategy focused on thought leadership and brand building. Early in her career, she was on the content team that originally launched The Washington Post to the web and worked in marketing and communications for several other digital media startups.  

Thiel-Stern has published extensively in popular and academic publications, including two scholarly books. She also publishes a newsletter with advice and insights on marketing, careers and life. 

Educational Background & Specialties
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Educational Background

  • Ph.D.: Mass Communication, University of Iowa
  • M.A.: Communication, Culture & Technology, Georgetown University

Specialties

  • Social Media Strategy
  • Content Strategy & Creation
  • Youth and Social Media
  • Gender and Communication
  • Digital Marketing