She was a journalism major at the University of North Texas, where she got her start in her college newspaper, serving in the capacity of staff writer, entertainment editor, as well as managing editor of “The North Texas Daily,” and the rest was history.
She interned in Nashville, Tennessee, where she assisted with tour press for such acclaimed artists as Reba McEntire, Rodney Crowell and Ricky van Shelton, prior to pursuing work as an entertainment publicist for Vince Vance, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Coy Taylor and Johnny Cash’s brother, Tommy Cash.
Her work has been published in an array of distinguished magazines and outlets including Country Weekly, RIP Magazine, Twang, American Profile, Examiner, Suite101 Online Magazine, and Dance Teacher Magazine. For her journalistic work, she garnered many awards and accolades for her interviewing prowess and her feature writing ability, as well as for her broadcasting skills, from various organizations.
Dr. Rollins earned her Master of Science (M.S.) degree in mass communication with a concentration on media management and cultural theory, and an education degree in higher education/administration and supervision from Middle Tennessee State University, where she taught journalism for 14 years, and served as director of broadcast communication. She earned her Ph.D. from Capella University and served as chairperson of the communication program at a university in Oklahoma. She worked at Ashford University as a journalism professor, where she taught online courses. She was a member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 1987.
Most impressive about Rollins was her enthusiasm for country music, which was infectious. She had a great deal of respect for the iconic musicians in the genre, especially country star Connie Smith, who was best known for her chart-topping song “Once A Day.”
Dr. Rollins had a good ear for talent, which helped her discover the biggest names in the genre early on. She served as Country Music Editor for the online publication, Suite101 Online Magazine. She was able to share and pass on that love to her fellow journalist colleagues at that outlet, many of which regarded her as an incredible mentor, including this journalist. She was always very popular with the biggest publicists and PR firms in Nashville, most of which considered her their best-loved female journalist.
She was a woman who was able to beyond the ordinary, and make country music “cool,” at a time that it wasn’t. She was the epitome of beauty and grace. Dr. Rollins may have passed away on November 13, 2014 in Oklahoma, but her memory will live on. She is survived by her son, Dakoda Rollins.
For more information on Dr. Lisa L. Rollins, check out her Memorial page on Facebook.
