Scott Talan Senior Professorial Lecturer SOC | Public Communication
- Degrees
- • Harvard University - Master in Public Administration
• University of California (Davis) - Poli Sci & Econ
• Stanford University - TV News Certificate - Favorite Spot on Campus
- The Dav. The Bridge. Starbucks. Moai Statue (of Easter Island Fame).
- Favorite Place in Washington DC
- #1. AU #2. Kennedy Center #3. National Press Club
- Bio
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Scott Talan, MPA, is an assistant professor of Public Relations & Strategic Communication. Talan is an expert in social media and personal branding honed through communications experience in four distinct fields: TV News, Politics, Nonprofits/NGO's and Higher Education. Talan has worked at the United Nations, Harvard University and the March of Dimes.
Talan wrote at ABC News Good Morning America. He's also reported on-air for local TV news stations in several states including California, New Mexico, and Florida while covering politics including the 2000 presidential recount story where he bested other reporters for stories and interviews.
Before news, Talan was as an elected city council member and Mayor of Lafayette, California.
Talan received his Master in Public Administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, studied broadcast journalism at Stanford, and completed his BA at the University of California at Davis in Political Science and Economics.
Prior to joining American University Scott was an adjunct faculty member at George Washington and Johns Hopkins. In the summer of 2012 Talan also taught media courses in China at Xiamen University and lectured at Renmin University. He has also guest lectured at Japan's Ritsumeikan University.
In 2013, Talan conducted research on the nature of student awareness of current employer recruiting practices and gave a TED-x talk based on this project. He has given the 'Last Lecture' as well on the topic of personal branding. Additionally he has spoken many times at academic conferences on social media best practices in a classroom setting as well as use of other technology and teaching tools.
FEATURED MEDIA INTERVIEWS
ISIS Terrorists Use Media Against U.S.
Professors Need Branding Too
Scott served as a legal consultant in a highly watched court case revolving around the impacts and damage to online reputation. In 2016 Talan was awarded with the Jack Child Teaching with Technology award, and has also been named a Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholar.
Professor Talan was an early leader in using social media in the classroom starting in 2005.
Talan is a member of the Travelers Century Club having visited more than 100 countries.
Talan is a member of the Finnish Diplomatic Sauna Society and has officiated at weddings as a Commissioner of Civil Marriage.
- See Also
- Video Story on Prof Talan's Travels
- Official AU Video Bio
- "The Man Behind the Media"
- Connect with Prof. Talan on LinkedIn
- Meet the Most Interesting Professor on AU's Campus
- For the Media
- To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request. Explore all AU Faculty Experts in our media guide.
Teaching
Spring 2025
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COMM-100 Understanding Media
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COMM-294 Comm Service Learning Project: Brand You
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COMM-296 Selected Topics:Non-Recurring: Brand You
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COMM-337 Public Relations Writing
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HNRS-398 Honors Challenge Course
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HNRS-398 Honors Challenge Course
Fall 2025
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COMM-100 Understanding Media
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COMM-296 Selected Topics:Non-Recurring: Brand You
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HNRS-050 Honors Supplement: Brand You
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HNRS-395 Theories of Inquiry
Scholarly, Creative & Professional Activities
Design and Communication Arts Work
Comm Kid (Student movie trailer video)
SOC Style (Student music video)
Fashion Magazine Capstone (Student project)
Media Appearances
ABC News 20/20 on Social Media & Newton Shooting
CNN Story on Social Media & Crimes
Social Media & Presidential Debates Go Well Together - WTOP