Kimberly A. Parker: 2025-26 University Research Professor Q&A
UKNow is highlighting the University of Kentucky’s 2025-26 University Research Professors. Established by the Board of Trustees in 1976, the professorship program recognizes excellence across the full spectrum of research at UK and is sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 17, 2025) — Kimberly A. Parker, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Integrated Strategic Communication in the University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information, has been honored as a 2025-26 University Research Professor.
Parker joined UK in 2014 and brings to the department 25 years of experience working with nonprofits on social change campaigns.
Her research concentrates on persuasive communication, resistance, social marketing and promoting social change across a variety of contexts. This work has been widely published in presentations, journals and book chapters.
Parker is also the lead co-editor on a new book, “Navigating Complex Social Challenges: The Role of Communication,” and is the co-editor of the upcoming “Handbook of Inoculation Theory and Practice,” which will be the most comprehensive guidebook on inoculation theory, a social psychological communication theory that explains how an attitude or belief can be protected against persuasion or influence.
Parker spoke with UKNow about her latest honor as a University Research Professor in this Q&A.
UKNow: What does it mean to you to be recognized as a University Research Professor?
Parker: I am humbled and honored to be recognized as a University Research Professor. The recognition serves not only as a personal milestone but also as encouragement to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge and understanding. The acknowledgment reminds me that my contributions matter and inspires others to pursue their own paths.
Finally, my husband, Dr. Bobi Ivanov; one of my mentors, Dr. Dan O’Hair; and many other faculty I admire at UK have also been honored with this award. I am immensely proud to stand beside them as a University Research Professor.
UKNow: How will the professorships program advance your research?
Parker: The professorship will allow me to expand my research by collecting additional experimental data and hire graduate assistants to assist with my research.
UKNow: What inspired your focus on this area of research?
Parker: My research focuses on persuasive and resistance message design and campaigns. This is often applied to social change with a common focus on health campaigns. Communication research and effective message design are crucial for social change because they help us understand how to frame issues in ways that resonate with diverse audiences and motivate action. Through understanding what makes messages persuasive, memorable and culturally relevant, researchers can help craft communication that breaks through information overload and inspire meaningful behavioral shifts. This field is particularly vital in addressing complex social issues challenges, such as vaccine hesitancy or the promotion of mental health help seeking, where the right message delivered through the right channels by the right person may shift attitudes or promote action.
UKNow: How does your research impact Kentucky?
Parker: My research agenda is inherently applied and focused on how to improve our communities. My research makes a local impact by generating evidence-based solutions to community-specific challenges, from public health interventions to understanding how local nonprofits may develop more effective fundraising efforts. Through partnerships with local organizations, such as Mission Health, Voices of Hope, A Caring Place and many others, my work may be translated into campaigns that improve the lives of Kentuckians.
About the University Research Professors
Each year, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approves a cohort of faculty as University Research Professors. The distinction recognizes excellence in work that addresses scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in Kentucky and the world.
College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.