I fell in love with Communication Studies at Biola University, where I received my bachelor’s degree. From there I earned a master's at Arizona State University and my doctorate at Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!), also in Communication Studies with an emphasis in rhetoric. When I came to ETSU in 2005 I knew I had found my professional home. The sense of community on this campus and the students I get to work with make me glad to come to work every day. As department chair, I have the unique opportunity to work with my colleagues in crafting a vision for our department and then leading us as a team to achieve those goals.

Teaching Focus

I primarily teach courses on culture and media. My special interest is in rhetoric, concentrating on how we think about issues of gender, race/ethnicity, sexuality, and social class.

• • COMM 3340 Rhetorical Criticism
  • COMM 3390 Persuasion
  • COMM 4317 & 5317 Rhetoric of Diversity & Identity
  • COMM 4327 & 5327 Popular Communication
  • COMM 5200 Gender and Communication

 

Scholarly Interests / Publications

My publications are primarily about how media shapes our understandings of identity, both how we should see ourselves and how we ought to think about others. I am especially interested in the representation of men, in terms of both how men of various identities (including race and sexuality) are depicted, as well as how notions of masculinity change over time.

Click Here for a Complete List of Publications

 

On A More Personal Note . . .

I was born and raised in southern California, but my favorite place on the entire planet is Great Smokey National Park. I especially like camping there with my wife and two children. At home, I like to work in my vegetable and flower gardens or take up small woodworking projects. When I get the chance to relax, I prefer to get in my hammock with good biography.