Education

B.A., Journalism, Middle Tennessee State University
M.A., Journalism, University of Memphis

 

About Prof. Tori Cliff

Prof. Tori Martin Cliff fell in love with journalism during high school. The school she attended secured a grant and began offering radio & television broadcasting classes during Cliff's junior and senior years. Cliff learned how to think creatively and strategically, film, edit, and serve as an anchor for the school's internal news channel. 

She went on to earn a B.A. in journalism with a concentration in public relations and advertising from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 2004. She also earned minors in psychology and office management. During her time at MTSU, Cliff met fellow student and Jackson Tennessee native, Dr. Brad A. Cliff, and the two married upon graduation. Prof. Cliff's husband secured a position as chair of the health and human performance department for Lambuth University, then located in Jackson, Tennessee, and the couple moved to Jackson. At that time, Prof. Cliff secured a position as marketing coordinator for a local credit union and went on to pursue her master's in journalism. She earned her M.A. in journalism from the University of Memphis in 2010. 

During the various roles Prof. Cliff has held during her career, she has served as a writer, editor, designer, national advertising sales professional, media buyer, strategic planner, marketing coordinator, social media task force leader, competitive analysis researcher, and event planner.  

While working as director of marketing and PR for Stillman, she also served as journalism faculty for the college. While Prof. Cliff enjoyed her time at Stillman, the Tennessee native could not pass up an opportunity to move back to the state that held both her and her husband's family and so many wonderful memories. After moving back to Tennessee, Cliff worked at Lane College teaching core journalism classes and core and upper-division classes in public relations. Following that appointment she served as director of communication at Jackson State Community College. Following that, the irresistible opportunity to teach for UM presented itself, and as a Tiger herself, Cliff seized the opportunity. 

Currently, she serves as J+SM associate professor of practice at the University of Memphis and as an academic adviser for strategic media students on the Lambuth campus. Prof. Cliff is currently a doctoral candidate in educational leadership from the University of Memphis. This degree focused on higher and adult education principles, like adult learning theory, curriculum development, technology in learning, and the organization and operation of universities.  

She has served as a tnAchieves mentor numerous times and donates time designing and writing promotional pieces for several local non-profits. She also owns her own company providing strategic media services to clients and serving as a B2C provider of various products.