Barbara J. Irwin, Ph.D.

Professor Emerita

Journalism
Strategic Communication

Ph.D. in Communication, University at Buffalo.
M.A. in Communication, University at Buffalo.
B.A. in Communication and Psychology, University at Buffalo

Email
(716) 888-2108
Office
CT 312

Barbara J. Irwin, Ph.D. is Professor Emerita, Department of Communication. She served as Director of the Journalism Program and co-director of the Strategic Communication Program as well as department chair for nine years and internship director for 30+ years. She specializes in the areas of broadcasting and mass communication. Her research interests include the behind-the-scenes development and creation of television programming, children’s media, media history, the study of daytime soap operas, and the impact of the mass media on today's society. 

Her most recent book is Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children’s Series (2024, North Country Books/Globe Pequot/ Rowman & Littlefield), co-authored with Tony Buttino Sr. and Pam Johnson. Prior to joining the faculty at Canisius, Dr. Irwin worked at WNED PBS on the Emmy Award-winning PBS reading motivation series. She is also co-author of the New York Times bestseller The Young and the Restless: Most Memorable Moments and The Young and the Restless Special Silver Anniversary Collector’s Edition. 

Dr. Irwin served as Executive Producer for numerous documentary films produced by the Canisius College Video Institute, earning more than 30 national Telly Awards among many other honors.  

A native Buffalonian, Dr. Irwin lives with her husband, James Klein and their Labrador retriever, Riley, a certified therapy dog who frequently makes visits to Canisius.

Awards

  • Faculty Fellow, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.  (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award – Presented by the Alumni Association of Canisius University in recognition of teaching excellence and outstanding contributions to the academic world.
  • Lambda Pi Eta, Nu Upsilon Chapter, University at Buffalo – National Communication Association Honor Society.
  • Alpha Sigma Lambda, Beta Kappa Chapter, Canisius University – National Honor Society for Adult Learning in Continuing Higher Education.
  • Alpha Sigma Nu, Canisius University Chapter — The Honor Society of Jesuit Colleges and Universities