Friday, December 23, 2016

New Student Enrollment Leaders for Summer 2017






Congratulations to Communication Studies majors Cameron Anderson and Griffin Mims who have been selected as campus New Student Enrollment Leaders for Summer 2017. They will assist new students in their transition to the university, educational opportunities, and academic and co-curricular life at UNL: http://cas.unl.edu/2017-university-orientation-leaders-selected

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Seniors present their capstone projects

Larissa Nakagawa and Communication Studies seniors presented their capstone projects to Dr. Ron Lee, GTA Jordan Allen, and other faculty and students in the Nebraska Union on December 7, 2016. Congratulations seniors!

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Dr. Alllison Bonander Earned the National Outstanding New Coach Award



Congratulations to Dr. Allison Bonander, Associate Director of Nebraska's Speech & Debate team for earning the national Outstanding New Coach Award from American Forensic Association that will be presented at the national tournament this coming spring.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Communication Studies welcomed Professors Marianella Fernández and Luz Marina Vásquez from Universidad de Costa Rica



 
Dr. Chuck Braithwaite's, Costa Rican colleagues came to visit UNL to meet students and faculty and to experience the video class between Nebraska and Costa Rica from the U.S. side. Dr. Braithwaite visited Costa Rica at the start of  this longtime partnership. Professors Braithwaite, Fernández, and Vásquez explored ways to make their instructional partnership even more successful.Dr. Braithwaite is director of COMM 211 Intercultural Communication Global Classroom.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Department of Communication Studies Doctoral Candidate Jonathan Carter Receives 3 Top Paper Awards




Department of Communication Studies doctoral candidate Jonathan Carter had the extraordinary achievement of receiving three Top Paper Awards from divisions of the discipline’s flagship National Communication Association meeting in Philadelphia, November 10-13. He received a Top Four Paper from the Critical and Cultural Studies Division, Top Overall Paper for the Kenneth Burke Society, and the Top Student Paper for the Games Studies Division.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The Robert J. Kibler Award was presented to Dr. Bill Seiler at the 2016 National Communication Association conference in Philadelphia.

 President of NCA Dr. Christina Beck with Dr. Bill Seiler
The award was created in 1978 to honor Robert J. Kibler. It was first presented in 1979. The award  recognizes those qualities epitomized by Professor Kibler's professional and personal life. These qualities include dedication to excellence, commitment to the profession, concern for others, vision of what could be, acceptance of diversity and forthrightness.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Dr. Angela Palmer-Wackerly to Receive Dissertation Award

Dr. Angela Palmer-Wackerly
Dr. Angela Palmer-Wackerly, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies, will receive the Dissertation Award from the Interpersonal Communication Division of the National Communication Association for her study, “Illness Identity, Social Support, and Cancer Clinical Trials Decision-Making.” The award will be presented at the association’s annual meeting in Philadelphia, November 2016.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Kathy Castle Teaching and Technology Award

Dr. Kathy Castle, Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Nebraska Department of Communication Studies, has received the Pearson Award for Innovation in Teaching with Technology from the Association for Business Communication (ABA). This award recognizes innovative uses of technology to enhance learning and engagement in business communication classrooms. ABA will present the award at their annual international conference in Albuquerque, NM in October 2016 and Dr. Castle is invited to make a presentation of her work at the Association’s 82nd conference in 2017 in Dublin, Ireland.  http://www.businesscommunication.org/page/pearson-award?source=5 

Friday, September 30, 2016

Dr. Duncan on the first Presidential Debate and Death Penalty Referendum


Nebraska Today featured an interview with our own Dr. Aaron Duncan on the first Presidential Debate.  Way to go! http://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/husker-debate-coach-clinton-scores-higher-in-personality-contest/

Dr. Aaron Duncan was also interviewed in an Omaha World Herald article about language in Nebraska’s death penalty referendumhttp://www.omaha.com/news/politics/read-it-carefully-ballot-language-for-death-penalty-referendum-is/article_4bfcf695-94a2-55d0-ac2d-7ecc935b9d50.html

Carol Tschampl-Diesing: Iowa Journal of Communication



Doctoral student Carol L. Tschampl-Diesing  published her review of “A Communication Perspective on the Military: Interactions, Messages, and Discourses” in the Iowa Journal of Communication (2016, volume 48). 

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Community Matters Radio Program


Communication Studies Faculty members from the Interpersonal, Family & Intergroup Communication emphasis are offering a radio series on Communication and Well-Being for KZUM’s Community Matters with Nick Hernandez. Nick visits with community leaders about how we can come together to make our collective lives better. Mondays 11:30 AM Central and will be podcast: http://kzum.org/index.php/community-matters/ As scholars we appreciate the opportunity to contribute our research to the community:

• Communication and Well-Being in Nontraditional Families, Dr. Dawn O. Braithwaite, 2/1/2016
• Storytelling and well-being, Dr. Jody Koenig Kellas, 2/29/2016
• Family Communication, Identity and Worldview, Dr. Jordan Soliz, 3/21/16
• Communication and Chronic Illness, Dr. Kathy Castle, 4/4/2016
• Communication, Well-Being, and Social Support, Dr. Angela Palmer-Wackerly, 4/25/2016

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Dr. Duncan: Gambling with the Myth of the American Dream


Dr. Aaron Duncan recently returned from a very successful 
American Forensics Association National Tournament. 

He also returned a published author of: 
Duncan, A. (2015). Gambling with the Myth of the American Dream
New York, Routledge. 

His book has taken its place of honor in the UNL Communication Studies display case!

Comm 211 Cultural Rituals and Halloween Pumpkins





Communication Studies Intercultural Communication students in Dr. Chuck Braithwaite's COMM 211 class created Halloween pumpkins while discussing cultural rituals via live video link with students at YeditepeUniversity in Istanbul, Turkey. UNL students are pictured left to right: Ashley Collins, Abby Bierle, Riley Kalb, Matt Balascak, Jake Rock, Cooper Christancy, and Coren Fielder.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016






Dr. Diana Carlin Pierron was the keynote speaker Monday evening, September 19 on the subject: The 2016 Presidential Race: Voter Anger, History Making, the Debates, and What it All Means--Well, Maybe." Diana is a national expert in Presidential debates and founder of DebateWatch. She spoke to a crowd of 400 and helped them prepare for the upcoming 2016 presidential debates. Diana is a 1985 doctoral graduate from our department.

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Job Announcement


                                                                                                                                                 
        Department of Communication Studies, 432 Oldfather Hall, Lincoln NE 68588-0329, (402) 472-2069,  comm.unl.edu

Job Announcement 2016-2017
Department of Communication Studies
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Assistant Professor, Rhetoric of Identity and Difference

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Communication Studies seeks a tenure-track assistant professor beginning August 14, 2017, focused in Rhetoric of Identity and Difference. We seek a humanities scholar, strongly grounded in the public address tradition of rhetorical studies, focused on the relationship between civic discourse, identity, and historically marginalized groups in civic life. Scholarly expertise may include, but is not limited to, rhetorics of identity, power, and difference in public argument, discourses of gender, sexuality, race, and class in contemporary political discourse, or the role of rhetoric in enabling and constraining the development of citizens’ voice. Candidates will be expected to contribute to the department’s interdisciplinary ties and connect with strategic research initiatives/priorities on campus, depending on research foci, e.g., Women’s and Gender Studies, Institute for Ethnic Studies, Digital Humanities, and Nebraska Public Policy Center.

Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in Communication Studies is required by the time the appointment begins. Applicants must demonstrate ability to conduct an active program of research in rhetoric and civic engagement, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, advise graduate students, and provide professional service.

Applicants’ research should complement the department’s scholarly initiatives aimed at understanding and explaining the role of communication in Civic Engagement (facilitating civic engagement, mediating public controversies, and organizing for social change), Health and Well-being  (constituting individual and family health, promoting healthy behaviors, and helping persons navigate relational challenges), and Identity and Difference (creating, maintaining, and challenging personal, social, and community identity in a complex and diverse world), and share the department’s strong commitment to the synergistic integration of humanities and social science scholarship. Candidates will be expected to contribute to the department’s interdisciplinary ties and connect with strategic research initiatives/priorities on campus, depending on research foci, e.g., Women’s and Gender Studies, Institute for Ethnic Studies, Digital Humanities, and Nebraska Public Policy Center.

The Department:
The Department of Communication Studies, housed in the College of Arts & Sciences, has a long tradition of excellence in research, teaching, and service. The successful candidate will join a faculty offering graduate emphases in Interpersonal, Family, and Intergroup Communication and Rhetoric and Public Culture, with a strong commitment to the synergistic integration of humanities and social science scholarship. The department enrolls over 2,700 students per semester in graduate and undergraduate courses, including 200 majors earning the B.A./B.S. degree. The department offers a Ph.D. and M.A. in Communication Studies, funding 21-23 graduate students per year.

The University and Community:
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with 26,000 students, is located in the state capital.  Lincoln and the surrounding community has a population of approximately 315,000 and enjoys many of the cultural and entertainment benefits of a much larger city, with the feel of a friendly Midwestern community. The city has a flourishing economy with large employment sectors in education, government, health care, banking, insurance, and technology. Lincoln has first-rate schools, a wonderful park and trail system, museums, and affordable housing. Recent development includes a new entertainment district next to campus and downtown. The Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area (pop. 895,000) is 45 minutes away offering additional recreational and entertainment opportunities and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Application:
In order to ensure consideration, applications must be received by September 25, 2016. To apply, (1) log on to this site: http://employment.unl.edu requisition # F_160188 and complete the Faculty/Administrative Information form, submit an online letter of application addressing the candidate’s match with the required qualifications, a Curriculum Vitae (including a list of courses taught), and the names, addresses, and email addresses of at least three references to this site; (2) send as attachments electronically to commstudiessearch@unl.edu samples of recent scholarly work, evidence of teaching effectiveness and, (3) have sent to commstudiessearch@unl.edu a minimum of three letters of reference sent directly from the letter writers.


Inquiries about the position or search process should be made to Dr. Ronald Lee (rlee1@unl.edu), Search Committee Chair. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to a pluralistic campus community through affirmative action, equal opportunity, work-life balance, and dual careers. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Job Announcement

                                                                                                                                                                  
        Department of Communication Studies, 432 Oldfather Hall, Lincoln NE 68588-0329, (402) 472-2069,  comm.unl.edu

Job Announcement 2016-2017
Department of Communication Studies
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Assistant or Associate Professor, Rhetoric and Civic Engagement

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Communication Studies seeks a tenure-track assistant or associate professor beginning August 14, 2017, focused in Rhetoric and Civic Engagement. We seek a humanities scholar, strongly grounded in the rhetorical tradition and critical methods, who studies the role of rhetoric, media, and civic life. We are especially interested in scholars who explore the role of digital communication and/or new media in public discourse. Scholarly expertise may include, but is not limited to, the relationship between public discourse and civic culture, including topics such as public deliberation or engaging stakeholders in community consensus-building, and/or on the use of new media to spark citizenship practices and engagement across social divides.

Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in Communication Studies is required by the time the appointment begins. Applicants must demonstrate ability to conduct an active program of research in rhetoric and civic engagement, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, advise graduate students, and provide professional service.

Applicants’ research should complement the department’s scholarly initiatives aimed at understanding and explaining the role of communication in Civic Engagement (facilitating civic engagement, mediating public controversies, and organizing for social change), Health and Well-being  (constituting individual and family health, promoting healthy behaviors, and helping persons navigate relational challenges), and Identity and Difference (creating, maintaining, and challenging personal, social, and community identity in a complex and diverse world), and share the department’s strong commitment to the synergistic integration of humanities and social science scholarship. For a senior hire, a demonstrated ability to pursue external funding is desired. Candidates will be expected to contribute to the department’s interdisciplinary ties and connect with strategic research initiatives/priorities on campus, depending on research foci, e.g., Center for Civic Engagement, Digital Humanities, Nebraska Public Policy Center, Institute for Ethnic Studies, Environmental Studies.

The Department:
The Department of Communication Studies, housed in the College of Arts & Sciences, has a long tradition of excellence in research, teaching, and service. The successful candidate will join a faculty offering graduate emphases in Interpersonal, Family, and Intergroup Communication and Rhetoric and Public Culture, with a strong commitment to the synergistic integration of humanities and social science scholarship. The department enrolls over 2,700 students per semester in graduate and undergraduate courses, including 200 majors earning the B.A./B.S. degree. The department offers a Ph.D. and M.A. in Communication Studies, funding 21-23 graduate students per year.

The University and Community:
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with 26,000 students, is located in the state capital.  Lincoln and the surrounding community has a population of approximately 315,000 and enjoys many of the cultural and entertainment benefits of a much larger city, with the feel of a friendly Midwestern community. The city has a flourishing economy with large employment sectors in education, government, health care, banking, insurance, and technology. Lincoln has first-rate schools, a wonderful park and trail system, museums, and affordable housing. Recent development includes a new entertainment district next to campus and downtown. The Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area (pop. 895,000) is 45 minutes away offering additional recreational and entertainment opportunities and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Application:
In order to ensure consideration, applications must be received by September 25, 2016. To apply, (1) log on to this site: http://employment.unl.edu requisition # F_160187 and complete the Faculty/Administrative Information form, submit an online letter of application addressing the candidate’s match with the required qualifications, a Curriculum Vitae (including a li   st of courses taught), and the names, addresses, and email addresses of at least three references to this site; (2) send as attachments electronically to commstudiessearch@unl.edu samples of recent scholarly work, evidence of teaching effectiveness and, (3) have sent to commstudiessearch@unl.edu a minimum of three letters of reference sent directly from the letter writers.

Inquiries about the position or search process should be made to Dr. Ronald Lee (rlee1@unl.edu), Search Committee Chair. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to a pluralistic campus community through affirmative action, equal opportunity, work-life balance, and dual careers. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.






Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Kaitlin Phillips Receives Presidential Graduate Fellowship

UNL’s Department of Communication Studies is delighted to congratulate Doctoral Candidate Kaitlin Phillips on receiving one of the select University of Nebraska system-wide Presidential Graduate Fellowships for 2016-17. Dr. Dawn O. Braithwaite, Communication Studies Department Chair observed, “Kaitlin is incredibly deserving of this honor and we are delighted that her work has been recognized with this award. The fellowship will allow Kaitlin to pursue her dissertation work full-time this academic year.”  http://comm.unl.edu/phillips-receives-graduate-fellowship

Friday, June 17, 2016

Aleah Peters: Miss Nebraska

UNL Department of Communication Studies congratulates our recent graduate, Aleah Peters who has been named Miss Nebraska. As part of her duties, Aleah will travel across the state to share her platform entitled, “Cyberbullying Prevention: Make Kindness Viral.”  She will speak at many schools throughout the state.  As Aleah expressed to us, “I really enjoyed majoring in Communication Studies and learning how to communicate, advocate, negotiate, and educate. Public speaking is a major component of my job and I look forward to using all of the skills I've learned at UNL!” Congratulations Aleah!


Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Communication Studies students selected to Phi Beta Kappa

The Department of Communication Studies congratulates Reagan Jones and Geoffrey Ledbetter, who were initiated into the select Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Phi Beta Kappa chapters appear in only about 10% is universities and selection is very competitive. PBK includes 17 U.S. Presidents, 37 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, and 136 Nobel Laureates.  Congrats to Regan and Geoff!


Change the Talk

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Communication Studies is proud of the research in action by Dr. Amanda Holman, Assistant Professor of Communication at Creighton University. She is creating public service announcements entitled, “Change the Talk” with local high school students on having "the talk" with their parents. The project is based on her doctoral dissertation earned in 2014.