About Victoria

Dr. Victoria Ledford received her Ph.D. in Communication Science and Social Cognition from the University of Maryland after obtaining both her B.A. and M.A. in Communication at Marshall University. She is a proud first-generation college graduate. After teaching courses at both Marshall and UMD during her graduate programs, Victoria worked for the research firm, Hanover Research, where she collaborated with K-12 school districts and organizations to conduct research that improved educational spaces. In 2022, she then traveled to Auburn, Alabama where she is now an Assistant Professor of Health Communication in the School of Communication and Journalism at Auburn University. There, she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in health communication, stigma, and research methods. She also conducts research to improve the wellbeing of stigmatized groups and to uncover effective teaching practices for college instructors.

Victoria is a passionate researcher, teacher, mentor, and advocate. She enjoys teaching and mentoring students, working with state and local agencies on grants that promote health within affected communities, and working within her own organization to support and streamline ongoing and new initiatives. She fills her time outside the office with dinner parties, board games, travel, good food, and spending time with her loved ones.