Associate Professor of Communications
PhD: Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
MA: Arkansas State University-Jonesboro
BA: Arkansas State University-Jonesboro

Subject area(s):

Public Speaking, Debate, Intercultural Communication and Theatre

What made you decide to specialize in communications?

One of the things that attracted me to communication was that our research stole (or pulled from) many other fields – psychology, business management, sociology, anthropology, mass communication and rhetoric. The Program at ASU was in the Arts (with theatre) rather than the social sciences, which l liked also.

What was your favorite course in college and why?

Forensics (or debate) because I got to travel, skip school and argue, all in one area, as part of a team.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

When I see a student realize that s/he can change his/her life and the lives of others through their communication. What we teach matters. When students realize that, it is great to be there when they do.

What advice would you give current students or prospective students?

Don’t eliminate opportunities just because they don’t fit into your plan. Use this time to learn as much as you can for the pure joy of learning.

What would you say to a student interested in pursuing a career in communications?

Outside of teaching, people seldom ever look for a person with a degree in communications. It is up to you to help them realize that that is actually what they need. So many things work better if someone in the organization or process is cognizant of the communication process and how to improve it.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Woodworking, lawn and garden, shooting, basically Dad stuff.