Professor Minnick brings more than 15 years of health care communications, public relations and media relations experience to Northwestern’s growing public relations major. Her students value her firsthand perspectives from the field and say her “warm and generous spirit” puts them at ease in the classroom setting.
PR powerhouse
Before she joined Northwestern’s faculty, Professor Minnick coordinated public relations and marketing efforts for a number of regional hospitals and clinics, including Orange City Area Health System; Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. A certified public information officer, Minnick is trained in health care communications and administration at the master’s level.
Trusted consultant
Professor Minnick also works as a consultant and freelance public relations specialist for nonprofits across the country, providing valuable connections for her students when they complete practicum hours with community-based organizations. In recent years, her students have partnered with local elementary schools, a jeweler, a women’s health center and a bakery.
100% Dutch
Dutch roots run deep for Professor Minnick. She took Dutch lessons from her grandmother as a child, studied the language in college, and has enough knowledge to find the train station in the country of her ancestors. She has been a member of the Dutch Heritage Boosters Board for 15 years, makes poffertje batter for Dutch treats during Tulip Festival and on summer evenings, and shares the holiday story of Sinterklaas with area children each December.
