Education

2005 University of Miami, B.S.
2007 University of Central Florida, M.A.
2016 Georgia State University, Ph.D.

Courses Taught

Speech for Business and the Professions
Global Speech, Human Rights, and Social Justice
Nonverbal Communication
Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication 

Career Specialties

Jobia Keys' teaching and research explore the intersections of intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, and health communication. Keys has a strong background in communication and media studies, and she brings scholarly expertise and practical experience into the classroom. Keys is passionate about creating learning environments that are engaging and supportive, and she is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections with students and encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and personal growth. In addition to teaching, Keys is a game creator whose work blends entertainment and education. She creates original card games and curated experiences that celebrate cultural diversity, spark curiosity, and bring people together through play.  

Professional and Community Activities

Keys' research areas include: intercultural communication, children and media, media literacy, gender, race and class representations in media, interpersonal communication, health communication, and belonging.

REFEREED PUBLICATIONS

Keys, J. (2025). Intercultural Communication: A Practical Guide to Communicating in Diverse, Global Community. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt.

Keys, J. (2021). How Nickelodeon used entertainment-education during the Covid-19 pandemic. In Changing Times: Communication in the Age of the Covid-19 Pandemic (pp. 17-34). Lanham, MD: Lexington Books.

Keys, J. (2020). Stirring racial conflict with “the others”: a fantasy theme analysis of the alt-right. In The Role of Conflict on Society and the Individual (pp. 25-50). Lanham, MD: Lexington Books.

Keys, J. (2016). Doc McStuffins and Dora the Explorer: Representations of Gender, Race and Class in U.S. Animation. Journal of Children and Media, 1-14.

Tannebaum, M., Wilkin, H., & Keys, J. (2014). Education in the wake of healthcare reform: Increasing primary care usage by individuals currently reliant upon emergency departments for care. Health Education Journal, 73(2), 209. doi:10.1177/0017896912471043

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Keys, J. (2020, November 20). Living in a multigenerational home has made me a better parent. Parents Magazine.

Keys, J. (2020, August 15). 5 Steps to Help Your Kids Master E-learning in Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay Moms. Retrieved from: https://tampabaymoms.com/education/help-your-kids-master-e-learning/

Keys, J. (2015). Grand Angel. Sarasota, Florida: The Peppertree Press. 

Honors and Awards

2025 National Coalition of 100 Black Women of Tampa Bay “Passing the Torch Leadership Award” for Higher Ed
2022 Research, Innovation, and Scholarly Excellence Grant
2021 Omiron Delta Kappa, National Leadership Honor Society
2019 NAACP “Go Forth and Prosper Award”
2016 Magna Cum Laude, Georgia State University
2016 International Communication Association Travel Grant 

Personal Website