Dr. Bennett is an award-winning teacher, author and researcher. His academic research focuses on the moderating effect of celebrity credibility and source persuasion on consumer affinity, information processing, and behavior in the domains of branding, advertising, and health and public policy. He also researches diversity in advertising.

Prior to an academic career, Dr. Bennett spent several years working in industry including employment with the Carolina Panthers where he managed multiple premier sponsors accounts including Gatorade, Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Dairy Management Inc., Time Warner Cable, Outback Steakhouse, and Wendy’s. He also gained experience in brand management working on the “all” and Suave brands for Unilever HPC. Dr. Bennett’s duties at Unilever included brand strategy, advertising, consumer promotions, public relations, Hispanic marketing, new product introduction, brand portfolio management, and business plan formulation.

Dr. Bennett completed his Ph.D. studies in marketing at the University of Massachusetts, and his MBA at Wake Forest University. He also holds undergraduate degrees in studio art and in advertising from the University of North Carolina.

Education

• Ph.D. in marketing, University of Massachusetts
• MBA, Wake Forest University
• B.A. studio art and advertising, University of North Carolina