As Director of Student Publications, Mapp serves as the faculty adviser to the student yearbook and the newspaper, the Hawkeye, which has won numerous awards at the state, regional and national level. Mapp’s research interests span mass communication and interpersonal communication, and he has published both quantitative and qualitative studies in books and journals. Additionally, he has written and directed short films and also had his scripts produced in Los Angeles by Hollywood Casting and Film. Before pursuing a career in academia, Mapp was an award-winning sports journalist and public relations manager. He holds undergraduate degrees in political science and journalism, a master’s degree in public relations and a Ph.D. in Interpersonal Communication.