Dr. Kortni Alston is a Happiness Scholar, TEDx speaker, and Transformational Trainer. Her area of research is interdisciplinary, combining positive psychology, business administration, and media management. Her research concentrations value happier workplaces, well-being, and meaningful work. She is a Podcast Host for Kourting Happiness, which helps listeners learn how to commit to well-being one episode at a time fueled by positive psychology. According to Feedspot, the podcast is among the top 80 for happiness and the workplace.

She is the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Journalism and Communication for the Department of Communication, Art, and Design at Gardner-Webb University. Dr. Alston is an advisory board member with the Carter Center’s Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, where she provides guidance to journalists worldwide. Furthermore, she is an active and dedicated member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).

As a Happiness Scholar, Dr. Alston’s extensive experience in journalism and expertise in positive psychology has positioned her to train journalists, news managers, and media professionals in workplace well-being, resilience, and fostering a positive workplace culture.

With nearly 20 years of journalism industry experience, Dr. Alston has worked as a News Director in Baltimore for WEAA-FM, an NPR affiliate station. Additionally, she has served as a Television Reporter in Houston, Philadelphia, and Youngstown, Ohio.

She has a Ph.D. from the University of Florida, College of Journalism and Communication, and an MBA from Morgan State University. Her bachelor’s degree is in Mass Communication, focusing on Television Production from Delaware State University.