Faculty Bio

Dr. Sunny Fridge, aka Dr. Sunny, earned a Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University. She received her Master’s in Public Communications from Fordham University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and a B.A. degree in Communications from the College of New Rochelle. For the past three years she has served as an adjunct professor in the Mass Communication department at Belhaven University, teaching courses in Public Relations, Advanced Writing, Editing and Reporting. She taught Oral Communication as an adjunct faculty from 2018-19 at Antonelli College. Prior to this, she was a member of the teaching faculty in the Department of Mass Communications at Jackson State University from August 2000 through May 2015. She also served as the Internship Coordinator and Director of Programs for TigerTV, the student-run closed circuit channel. As an award-winning broadcast professional and journalism educator, she has mentored hundreds of students and clients to help them develop skills to become successful communicators. Her primary goal is to teach Charisma University students how to be successful leaders and innovative thinkers about the world around them. Her approach to teaching is inspired by Brazilian educator and philosopher Paulo Freire, who in his 1970 book, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, believed that when it comes to learning, it should be student-centered, rather than teacher-directed. Instead of simply being an educator instilling information into her students, she empowers them by serving as a guide as she presents real world hands-on and or virtual experiences to which they can learn and grow as they achieve their educational and professional goals and follow their dreams. Dr. Sunny is a presentation skills coach, and certified speaker, coach and trainer with the John Maxwell Team. Her passion is helping others to unleash their untapped potential through workshops, seminars and coaching. She teaches in areas of leadership, productivity, public speaking, and effective communication. Dr. Sunny is an active speaker and presenter on topics such as Put Your Dream to the Test, Imagine Y.O.U., Live to Lead, 15 Laws of Growth, How to Communicate and Connect and Why Your Niche Needs an Elevator Pitch. She is a member of Toastmasters International. She is president of the Central Mississippi Advanced Toastmasters Club (CMAT) in Jackson, Mississippi and served as the 2018-19 Vice President of Education for CompetitiveCommunicators.com online club. She holds the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters International. In October 2018, Dr. Sunny became the first African American president of the Jackson Optimist Club, an affiliate under Optimist International, an organization that focuses on outreach to youth and the community. She is committed to educating, mentoring and supporting other entrepreneurs. Keeping in line with that commitment, she founded Chance Network, a non-profit venture to empower young people and women through personal and professional development. She is a realtor and author of several books on the home buying and selling process. Her latest book project is as co-author of Voice of Hope, Inspiring and Untold Stories for Caregivers. When she’s not serving clients, Dr. Sunny enjoys traveling with her retired hubby (when he isn’t hunting). She loves taking on small home improvement projects and is an unapologetic die-hard fan of HGTV. She is host and producer of Rise & Shine with Dr. Sunny Fridge, an online show and podcast featuring guests who have turned setbacks into comebacks, made their faith bigger than their fear, and live with purpose, passion and prosperity. Her favorite scripture is, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”