Degrees Earned

• Ph.D. 1984, University of Iowa, Rhetorical Studies
• M.A. 1974, Colorado State University, Rhetorical Studies
• B.A. 1972, Wichita State University, Speech Education

Teaching Experience

• Professor, 2002-present, Slippery Rock University
• Associate Professor, 1995-2002, Slippery Rock University
• Assistant Professor, 1990-1995, Slippery Rock University
• Assistant Professor, 1987-1990, Clarion University
• Assistant Professor, 1985-1987, Trinity University
• Assistant Professor, 1981-1985, Millikin University
• Assistant Professor, 1980-1981, Stetson University
• Instructor, 1980, University of Northern Iowa
• Teaching Assistant, 1977-1980, University of Iowa
• Instructor, 1975-1977, Lincoln University
• Instructor, 1974-1975, Norton, Kansas Community Schools
• Teaching Assistant, 1972-1974, Colorado State University

Courses Taught at SRU

*Public Speaking
*Communication Concepts
*Small Group Communication
*Dyadic Communication
*Argumentation
*Persuasion
*Communication Theory
*Visual Literacy
*Senior Seminar

Papers/Presentations (since 1993)

“The Patriot Act: The Rhetorical Power of the Law.” Competitive Paper , Eastern Communication Association, 2005.

“The Promotion of Stereotypes in ‘Shark Tale': A Symbolic Analysis,” Paper/Presentation with Dr. Thomas Stewart, Eastern Communication Association, 2005.

“Constructing The Hours : The Evolution of Embedded Meanings and Transformations in the Visual Text,” Paper with Blythe McDanel (senior communication major), New York State Communication Association, 2004.

“Enhancing the Visual Experience: The Unique Relationship Between Visual Imagery and Cinematic Sound in Modern Filmmaking,” Poster/Paper with Kevin M. Schultz (senior communication major), National Communication Association, 2003. Awarded Outstanding Poster Session Presentation. Designated by NCA as Outstanding Presentation.

“Rhetorical Strategies for Creating Virtual Economic Relationships Among the eBay Community in '80 Characters or Less',” Paper/Presentation with Dr. Mark Chase, National Communication Association, 2002.

“Roots of Ethics: The Perspective of Stoicism,” Paper/Presentation , National Communication Association, 2001.

“Everything You Know Is Wrong…And Here Is Why: Creating Visually Literate PowerPoint Presentations,” Poster/Paper with Red Bradley, National Communication Association, 2001.

“Image Construction, Influence, and the Audience: Engaging Approaches to the Evaluation of Visual Imagery,” Presentation with Dr. Richard Arthur, National Communication Association, 2000.

“Learning Across the Lifespan: From Preschool to Senior College ,” Presentation , National Communication Association, 2000.

“Distributed Education Technology Grant Demonstration,” Presentation with Dr. Mark Chase and Dr. Bruce Russell, SRU Teaching Learning Technology Roundtable Meeting, September, 1999.

“Collaboration to Develop a Distance Education Course in Public Speaking,” Syllabus Conference, November, 1999, Paper/Presentation , co-author with Dr. Mark Chase and Dr. Bruce Russell (paper was presented by Dr. Chase)

"Artifacts as Text: Visual Storytelling of Angels in Popular Culture", Poster/Paper , National Communication Association, 1999.

"Web Based Course Materials for the Public Speaking Course Using 'Blackboard' Software", Paper/Presentation with Dr. Mark Chase and Dr. Bruce Russell, Speech Communication Association of Pennsylvania , 1999.

"Light as Visual Message in the Paintings of Illuminist Thomas Kinkade," Paper/Poster Presentation , Lead Author , with Dr. Stewart, National Communication Association, 1998.

"Visual Images, Verbal Themes, and Cultural Meanings of The 'Common Threads' Series of Hallmark Greeting Cards: Finding Common Ground," Paper, Lead Author with Dr. Timothy Walters, National Communication Association, 1997.

"Interpersonal/International Boundary Breaking on Campus: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice," Presentation , with Dr. Timothy Walters, Conference on Applied Communication, 1997.

"Sailing Through the Rough Seas of the Undergraduate Communication Theory Course: Interactive Discussion About Teaching with Textbook Authors," Paper, Lead Author with Dr. Timothy Walters, Speech Communication Association, 1996.

"Communication and the Construction of Social Realities: An Interactive Discussion on Learning Strategies in the Communication Classroom: Communication Concepts Project, Presentation with Dr. Timothy Walters, Conference on Applied Communication, 1996.

"Crossing Boundaries of Discipline, Research, and Teaching: Experience on One Campus," Paper with Dr. Timothy Walters, Speech Communication Association, 1995.

"The U.S.Mail vs. E-mail: Understanding Interpersonal Communication through Traditional and Technological Pedagogical Pathways," Paper, Lead Author with Dr. Timothy Walters, Speech Communication Association, 1995.

"Interpersonal Communication Theory: Greeting Card Analysis," Presentation with Dr. Timothy Walters, Speech Communication Association, 1995.

"A Grid for Understanding of Traditions and Perspectives," Presentation with Dr. Timothy Walters, Speech Communication Association, 1995.

"Community, Critical Thinking, and Communication," Presentation , Speech Communication Association of Pennsylvania , 1994.

"Critical Thinking and Communication," Presentation , Speech Communication Association, 1993.

"What About Basic Concepts?" LUNCH AND LEARN PRESENTATION sponsored by the SRU Department of Communication, Presentation with Dr. Timothy Walters,1993.

“Critical Thinking: Friend or Foe of Higher Education,” Paper , Speech Communication Association, 1992.

“Using Feminist Thinking in the Classroom: Discovering New Ways of Knowing,” Paper , Speech Communication Association, 1992.

“Feminism and Learning Theories: A Unique Voice in the Classroom,” Paper , Speech Communication Association, 1991.

“Considerations for Individual Events in the Communication Century,” Respondent , Speech Communication Association, 1992.

“The Media and the Election,” Guest Speaker , Business and Professional Women's Organization, Grove City, PA , 1992.

“Assertiveness Training,” Presentation , PARC Productions, Association for Retarded Citizens, Butler County Chapter, 1991.

“Practice vs. Reality: Applicability of Persuasion Skills Outside the Forensics Event,” Speech Communication Association, Presentation , 1990.

Workshops Attended (since 1993)

·         Critical Thinking Workshop, The Center for Critical Thinking and Moral Critique, and The Foundation for Critical Thinking, 1994

Grant Acquisitions (since 1993)

SRU Distributed Education Technology Grant: "Communication Theory Website", 1999, $4,324.00, Coauthored with Dr. Bruce Russell.

SRU Distributed Education Technology Grant: "Web Based Course Materials for the Public Speaking Course Using 'Blackboard' Software", 1999, $5,000.00, Coauthored with Dr. Mark Chase and Dr. Bruce Russell.

SRU Local Faculty Professional Development Grant: Attend Critical Thinking Workshop, 1994, funded.

SRU Summer Mini-grant: Development of multimedia courseware for use in Basic Concepts of Communication course, 1993, funded.

PUBLICATIONS (since 1993)

"The U.S. Mail vs. Email: Understanding Interpersonal Communication Through Traditional Pedagogical Pathways," ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading and Communication Skills, 1996. ED393127 .

Communication Concepts: A Student Work/Text , co-authored by Valerie Swarts (lead author) and Timothy Walters, 1995 through 1998 (4e.) editions (revised editions yearly).

“Using Feminist Thinking in the Classroom: Discovering New Ways of Knowing,” ERIC, 1992, ED355562 .

“Critical Thinking: Friend or Foe of Higher Education,” ERIC, 1992, ED354572 .

“Feminism and Learning Theories: A Unique Voice in the Classroom,” ERIC, 1991, ED341093

EDITORSHIP/REVIEWING (since 1993)

Paper Reviewer, National Communication Association Visual Communication Commission, 2005,2004,2003, 2002, 2000, 1999.

Respondent, “Student Papers in Visual Communication,” (also a presentation), National Communication Association, 1999.

Paper Reviewer, Eastern Communication Association Instructional Practices Interest Group, 1994.

Associate Editor, National Forensic Journal , 1990-1994.

Reviewer, The Pennsylvania Speech Communication Annual , 1991.

Guest Editor, National Forensic Journal , Spring 1990 Special Issue.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (current)

National Communication Association

Eastern Communication Association

SERVICE TO UNIVERSITY AND/OR COMMUNITY (since 1993)

Chair, University Tenure/Sabbatical Committee, 1999-2005.

Member, University Tenure/Sabbatical Committee, 1998-2004; 1995-2000.

Outstanding Academic Advisor Award, 1996.

Transitions Workshop Facilitator, 1996.

Future Connections between SRU and the Society It Serves Committee (commissioned by President Aebersold and University Planning Council), 1994-95.

Office of Admissions, Prospective SRU Student Telemarketing Calls, 1995..

Academic Forum, 1993-1997.

Academic Forum Nominations and Elections Committee, 1993-95.

Advisor, Gamma Delta Chi Local Service Sorority, 1993.

Orientation Facilitator, Academic Skills for Success Workshop for Freshmen, Fall 1991.

 

SERVICE TO DEPARTMENT