Scott GarnerAdjunct Assistant Professor in Film and Media Studies & Psychology
Scott Garner, PhD, is an interdisciplinary scholar and industry veteran whose work bridges media psychology, audience engagement, and entertainment strategy. Dr. Garner brings over 25 years of experience as a senior executive and media strategist for leading entertainment brands, including OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Lifetime, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network. In addition to his current scholarly work, Dr. Garner consults with media companies on content strategy, audience insights, and brand development.
His doctoral work in Media Psychology is from Fielding Graduate University, where his research focused on transformational audience experiences and media's influence on identity, particularly in the legacy of The Oprah Winfrey Show. He also holds advanced degrees from Columbia University and Emory University, where he now serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Psychology and Film and Media Studies departments. Additionally, he is an adjunct faculty member of Carnegie Mellon University's Master of Entertainment Industry Management program.
He currently leads Emory’s Pathways Media & Entertainment Scholars Program in Los Angeles, connecting students with Hollywood-based internships, mentoring, and media production experiences. His scholarly work has appeared in Psychology of Popular Media, Media Psychology Review, and through the American Psychological Association’s annual conferences. Dr. Garner holds dual U.S. and French citizenship, and in addition to his academic and consulting work, he remains an active peer reviewer and advocate for inclusive media practices.
Associations
- International Communication Association
- American Psychological Association
- Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Education
- PhD, Fielding Graduate University
- MA, Columbia University
- BA, Emory University
