Department of Communication Faculty

Areas of Expertise

Communication Studies, Rhetoric, Public Address, Argumentation & Debate

Background

I began my time at UIndy in 2017. Before coming to Indianapolis, I taught at a variety of institutions including: SUNY-Oswego, Wayne State University, University of Michigan- Dearborn, and the University of West Florida. In addition to my role as an assistant professor, I am the Director of the UIndy Forensics Speech & Debate Team. I have had the privilege of working with several state and national award-winning forensics teams.

Education

• Ph.D., Communication/Rhetoric, Wayne State University
• M.A., Political Science/Public Administration, University of West Florida
• B.A., Communication/Public Relations, University of West Florida

Fun Facts

I have a dog named Monkey.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

I love how eager and involved the students are in and out of the classroom. This campus is so full of talent! It is inspiring to see the wealth of quality education transpiring at UIndy.

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Areas of Expertise

public relations writing, strategic communication planning, media training

Background

I have professional experience in these PR practice areas: agency, health care, higher education, economic development, travel/tourism. I am new to UIndy after teaching for 20 years at Franklin College, where I developed the major in public relations. I previously taught as an adjunct at Ball State, Butler and most recently right here at Uindy.

Research Interests

public relations history, especially related to World War II and the U.S. Office of War Information

Education

• A.A. Lake Michigan College
• B.A. Indiana University
• M.A. Ball State University
• Ed.D. Ball State University

Fun Facts

Whenever possible, I like to spend college breaks going back into the field to work in PR, most recently with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. I agree with this statement by Thomas Jefferson: "I cannot live without books." Most important, if you're ever curious about the elegant culinary and cultural elements of a true Chicago hot dog, I'm your guy.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

The amazing array of live music performances open to the community.

Areas of Expertise

human communication, rhetoric, public address

Background

I have been with UIndy since 2000, and have also taught at Texas Tech and Indiana University.

Research Interests

rhetorical criticism

Education

• PhD, Communication major and Sociology minor, Indiana University
• MA, Communication, Texas Tech University
• BS, Communication Studies, University of North Carolina

Fun Facts

I love to travel and have visited over a dozen foreign places.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

I love the student-centered culture and the size allows for faculty interaction across campus.

Areas of Expertise

Screenwriting, Content Development, Multimedia Production, Copywriting, Media Criticism, International TV Marketing, Performance Analysis, Entertainment Programming, Broadcast Television, Visual Storytelling

Background

He is a twenty-year veteran of the film and television industry in Los Angeles, California, where he worked for a number of media organizations and major motion picture studios, including ABC, CBS, Cedar Park, Disney, Entertainment One, Fox, Paramount, Sony, and Viacom. Rick has written and produced content across multiple platforms, including film, television, radio, print, and digital. Throughout his career, he’s served in a number of capacities, including as a journalist, screenwriter, copywriter, television producer, content creator, programming strategist, research analyst, and ad/marketing professional. Rick hails from Franklin, Indiana, and is the founder of Inspired Content, a local non-profit dedicated to training writers to develop content that helps spotlight and fund charities in need.

Research Interests

Media Psychology, Therapeutic Applications of Media Creation

Education

• MFA, Communication Arts/Screenwriting, Loyola Marymount University
• Combined B.A. in Cinema and Television Production, Columbia College Hollywood
• Pulliam Fellow, Journalism, Franklin College

Fun Facts

I have lived as many places as I am years old.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

The students. As a visiting adjunct instructor, I was impressed by the caliber and character of the undergraduates in my classroom and have greatly looked forward to returning in a full-time capacity and discovering how next they’ll exceed my expectations.

Areas of Expertise

public relations program development, evaluative measures for public relations outputs and outcomes, brand identity, community service initiatives in higher education

Background

A native Hoosier, spent several years traveling and promoting different athletic teams. Has worked domestically in internal and external relations for both corporations and non-profit organizations. A Fulbright Scholar, Plank Fellow, and textbook author, who is an active member of many professional organizations, including the Public Relations Society of America. Has guest taught at Pepperdine University, Auckland University of Technology, and has been an invited speaker on public relations curriculum development spanning from Australia to Ireland.

Research Interests

original survey development, brand perception, professional outcomes related to curricular structure in higher education

Education

• BA, Psychology, University of Indianapolis
• MA, Communication Studies, Ball State University
• EdD, Higher Education/Public Relations and Communication Studies, Ball State University

Fun Facts

Loves living abroad, traveling, the sun, playing sports, humor, music, and having all necessary things in life fit in one backpack.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

The campus culture, and that my children have grown up as a part of it.

Areas of Expertise

human communication, broadcast journalism, digital multimedia production, education leadership, interviewing, qualitative research, public speaking

Background

Katie lived and worked in Washington, D.C. where she held many positions that included: press secretary in the United States House of Representatives; news reporter and videographer for ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates; marketing manager of a global, non-profit organization; communication instructor at Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University; television show host for Arlington Television; and writer and blogger for Northern Virginia Magazine. As a journalist, Katie produced, wrote, and reported television, print, and electronic news stories to large, diverse audiences throughout the country and interviewed policymakers, scientists, and world leaders. These experiences have allowed her to transfer current skills and best practices “in the field” to lessons in the classroom.

Education

• Ph.D., Education Leadership & Policy Studies, Qualitative Research Methods; Purdue University
• M.S., Broadcast Journalism, Syracuse University, S.I. Newhouse School of Public CommunicationsB.A., Telecommunication, Purdue University

Fun Facts

Katie is a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. Family, health, and education are Katie’s chief values, and her favorite pastime is spending time with her family and Chihuahua, Simon Says.

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Areas of Expertise

Theatre History, Performance Studies, Gender & Culture Studies, Acting, Directing, Playwriting, Dramaturgy

Background

I started at UIndy in 2019 as an Associate Adjunct faculty in Theatre. As of 2023, I am the Area Head for Theatre in the Department of Communication. I previously taught at the University of Pittsburgh, Point Park University, and IUPUI. My teaching ranges from theatre history to playwriting to acting/directing. I am the main creative director for Theatre and have directed shows such as Taming of the Shrew, Nora: A Doll’s House, and Drowning Ophelia, the latter of which won a national award at the Kennedy Center for American College Theatre Festival.

Education

• Ph.D. and M.A., Theatre & Performance Studies, University of Pittsburgh
• B.A., English, Indiana University

Favorite thing about uindy

The tight-knit community. I love how integrated and connected the faculty are and all the work that is done for each individual student. Having a background in some bigger schools, it is really refreshing to see this type of community and support.

Fun Facts

I was in a Steelworkers Union for 10 years and worked in the restaurant industry for 20 years.