- Communication
- Media studies
- Media psychology
- Global media ethics
- Civil society
ASTGHIK SHAMS AVETISYAN
Contact Information
Date of Birth: 1977
Place of Birth: Martuni, Armenia
Family: Married, with a daughter and a son.
Professional Summary
A highly accomplished PR and communications professional, academic, and educator with over two decades of experience in higher education, public relations strategy, media literacy, and organizational leadership. Founder and President of the Armenian PR Association, with extensive expertise in curriculum development, strategic communication, and media regulation. A published author of numerous scientific articles, manuals, and monographs.
Education
Year | Degree / Institution |
|---|---|
2014 | Associate Professor (Scientific degree), awarded by the Scientific Council of Yerevan State University (YSU) and the Supreme Certifying Committee (BOH) of Armenia. |
2010 | PhD in Philology, Yerevan State University. |
1999 | Postgraduate Studies, Department of Radio and Television Journalism, Faculty of Journalism, Yerevan State University. |
1994-1999 | Bachelor's Degree in Journalism (with honors) , Faculty of Philology, Yerevan State University. |
1984-1994 | Secondary Education, Secondary School No. 2, Martuni. |
Academic Appointments & Teaching Experience
Period | Position / Institution |
|---|---|
2025 – Present | Associate Professor, Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinema. Teaches "Management and Communication Skills" and "Media Literacy" in the Master's program. |
2025 – Present | Associate Professor, Eurasia International University. Teaches "Public Relations (PR)." |
2021 – Present | Associate Professor, International Scientific-Educational Center, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA). Teaches "Public Relations in the Education System" and "Media Education" in the "Education Management" Master's program. |
2014 – Present | Associate Professor, Department of Print and Broadcast Media, Faculty of Journalism, Yerevan State University. |
2014 – Present | Lecturer, Department of Training, Advanced Qualification, and Research Activities, Academy of Public Administration of the Republic of Armenia. |
2001 – Present | Lecturer, Faculty of Journalism, Yerevan State University. |
2002 – 2008 | Lecturer, Faculty of Journalism, Russian-Armenian University. |
Administrative & Leadership Roles
Period | Position / Organization |
|---|---|
2024 – Present | Co-founder, "PRactice" Strategic Communications Agency. |
2018 – 2023 | Head, "PR and Communication Technologies" Master's Program, Faculty of Journalism, Yerevan State University. |
2017 – 2020 | Member, Board of Trustees, Gavar State University. |
2011 – Present | Founder & Editor-in-Chief, anews.am news website. |
2006 – Present | Founder & President, "Armenian PR Association" Scientific-Information Public Organization (www.armpr.org). |
2000 – 2008 | Head of Information Department, Pan-Armenian Youth Foundation; PR Manager for the "Base Pan-Armenian Gathering," "Haykyan" Awards, and "Gitelik" Scholarship programs. |
Professional Experience (Non-Academic)
Period | Position / Organization |
|---|---|
2024 – Present | Author and Host, "PR Culture" program, NUR TV. |
2011 – 2013 | PR Director, "Cleanland" Company. |
2011 | Head of Foreign Broadcasts, then Advisor to the Executive Director, Public Radio of Armenia. |
2008 – 2011 | Assistant to the Press Secretary, Office of the President of the Republic of Armenia. |
Expert & Advisory Roles
Period | Position / Organization |
|---|---|
2017 – Present | Member, Republican Commission for the Supervision of Social Advertising Legislation, attached to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia. |
2016 – 2021 | Member, Public Council attached to the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia. |
2014 – Present | Expert & Trainer, Konrad Adenauer Foundation (Armenia). |
2010 – 2020 | Member, Coordinating Body for the Pan-Armenian Congress of Journalists, Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia. |
Training & Educational Program Development
Period | Role / Program |
|---|---|
2015 – Present | Founder, Developer & Trainer, First PR School/Academy in Armenia. |
2014 – 2015 | Distance Learning Lecturer, International Scientific-Educational Center, NAS RA. |
2013 – 2014 | PR Manager, "National Center for Professional Education Quality Assurance" Foundation. |
2012 | Trainer, IFES-Armenia, USAID Election Administration Training Program (training precinct election commission members). |
2007 | Regional Coordinator & Trainer, IFES-Armenia, USAID Election Administration Training Program. |
2002 – 2007 | Trainer, UNIFEM program "Women in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding." |
Media & Journalism
Period | Role / Project |
|---|---|
2012 | Author and Host, "Gitak" popular science TV program, ArmNews TV. |
2011 – Present | Founder & Editor-in-Chief, anews.am. |
2011 – Present | Member of Presidium, PR Manager, Coordinator, Trainer, Expert, Federation of Youth Clubs. |
Awards & Honors
2014: Associate Professor degree (YSU and BOH decision).
1998: Best Student of the Year, Yerevan State University.
1996-1999: Grigor Artsruni named scholarship holder, Union of Journalists of Armenia.
Has been awarded the Letter of Appreciation from the President of the Republic of Armenia, the Rector of YSU, and the Silver Medal of YSU. Recipient of numerous certificates of honor and advanced qualification certificates.
Jury & Professional Committees
Member of the international jury, Eventiada International PR Awards.
Member of the Professional Committee, Armenian PR Awards.
Chairman and member of the jury for numerous journalism competitions.
Research & Publications
Author of numerous scientific articles, educational manuals, and monographs. Correspondent and contributor for various reputable Armenian media outlets. Participant and organizer of local and international seminars, training programs, and conferences as a trainer, participant, organizer, and expert.
