Dr. John Harrison is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Communication and Arts in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Queensland, where he has been affiliated for over 50 years since beginning his studies in 1971 on a teachers’ scholarship. Hailing from country Queensland towns including Chinchilla, Mt Morgan, and Bundaberg, he attended Bundaberg State High School before pursuing higher education at UQ. Harrison holds a PhD from the University of Queensland awarded in 1991 from the Studies in Religion section of the original Arts Faculty, with a thesis on Joh Bjelke-Petersen and the religious culture of Queensland. He also possesses an honours degree in history and a Diploma in Education from UQ. During the 1980s, he worked as a journalist in print, radio, and television, receiving awards for his journalism. In the late 1970s, he taught in the Bowen Basin region, experiences that informed his insights into Queensland's culture, society, politics, journalism practice, and teaching affinity with rural students. Approximately 20 years ago, he began teaching at UQ's Ipswich campus and has since served as Senior Lecturer from 1992, specializing in journalism and professional communication.

An award-winning university teacher, Harrison pioneered service learning project teams in the communication program and collaborated on innovative teaching with colleagues in science, medicine, and engineering. He has mentored numerous early career researchers and students who advanced to prominent journalism roles, including Carl Smith at ABC Science, Stephen Stockwell at JJJ Hack, and Elyse Worthington at 4 Corners. His research focuses on crafting strategic messages for non-profit causes, media ethics, spin, media ownership, media performance, and advertising. Notable contributions include co-authoring the book Brand-Aid: Brand Power at the heart of your business with Allan Bonsall and involvement in the “Don’t be a flamin’ fool” TV ad campaign for burns prevention funded by the Queensland Trauma Network. Harrison has engaged internationally for recruitment and school promotion, bolstering UQ's global outreach.

Professional Email: j.harrison@uq.edu.au