Dr. Kortni Alston is a multimedia journalist, educator, and executive who values life-long learning, motivational leadership, and inspiring the next generation of aspiring journalists. Currently, she is a Lecturer in Mass Communication. Her research focuses on the science of happiness, meaningful work, job satisfaction, and entrepreneurship. Previously, she taught Investigative Reporting for TV and Radio at the University of Florida, and provided her students with best practices and practical experience in computer-assisted reporting, news gathering, and personal brand management.

Before the academy, Kortni was the Director of News and Public Affairs for WEAA-FM, the leading public radio station for National Public Radio (NPR) news and information in the Baltimore market. She is a recipient of several fellowships by the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation including: Executive Development for Radio Executives at Georgetown University, Connections Mentoring Initiatives, and the Albert Fitzpatrick Media Institute at Cox Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Kortni has launched several national news programs such as “The Takeaway” hosted by John Hockenberry and produced by Public Radio International (PRI), BBC, The New York Times, WGBH, and WYNC. Additionally, she has served on the advisory committee for "Tell Me More" hosted by Michel Martin and produced by NPR.

Kortni began her journalism career as a Radio Personality and Entertainment Reporter at WAFL-FM in Delaware. Her commercial television experience began in Midland, Texas as a General Assignment Reporter for NBC affiliate, KWES-TV. She later became a Reporter in the top markets in the country including New York City, Philadelphia and Houston. Many of her stories gained national news coverage including the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Kortni has made several appearances on, CNN, covering the astronauts funerals and other stories such as Hurricane Claudette and other news events.

Kortni has a Ph.D. from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communication. She received her Masters of Business Administration at Morgan State University and B.A in Mass Communications from Delaware State University. Kortni has been inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma an international business honor society, which recognizes the top business students and scholars around the world.