2016 – Harrison Connect

November 13, 2016woocw No Comments

Communicating for the Future

By Anthony Barletta (’17)

There is no lack of controversial issues within the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, and even on our campus. But there is a place to discuss them. In 2011, JMU faculty and students in the School of Communication Studies (SCOM) program, created an outlet to create spaces where these issues could be discussed productively.

For the last five years, SCOM’s Institute for Constructive Advocacy and Dialogue (ICAD) has collaborated with both the campus and the community to ease different groups of people into complex discussions.

Dr. Britt is facilitating a discussion at the ICAD's Recidivism Summit. — Dr. Britt is facilitating a discussion at the ICAD’s Recidivism Summit.

Unraveling and understanding these public issues is no easy task. Issues that challenge these communities range from mental health disabilities to sexual assault to the recidivism rate. Hitting close to home, community members have difficulty discussing these complex issues.

Engaging diverse groups in productive talk is a collaborative effort headed by ICAD’s director, Dr. Lori Britt and associate director, Dr. Rob Alexander.

ICAD brings community members, JMU faculty, and JMU students together in these discussions. According to Dr. Lori Britt, the talk “is not always about finding solutions but is sometimes focused on creating spaces where people can gain others’ perspectives.” As Dr. Britt explains, encompassing different perspectives helps strengthen community relations on campus, in the community and between the two. Read more Communicating for the Future

November 8, 2016woocw No Comments

From Social Media to Undecided Voters: Real-Time Political Communication Research for SCOM Faculty, Students

By Carrie Holland (’17)

This year’s presidential race has been like no other.

When candidates speak, spar, and court voters in the countdown to the election, political communication takes center stage. So does political communication research.

That’s provided an exciting combination for SCOM faculty Dr. Dan Schill and Dr. Lindsey Harvell-Bowman, and their political communication students. Both professors are involved in nationwide individual and collaborative research projects and share these opportunities with their students.

May 20, 2016woocw No Comments

Welcome Dr. Michael Broderick to SCOM

By Amberly Millis (’16)

Introducing Dr. Michael Broderick, one of the newest faculty members to join the School of Communications Studies. Broderick received a Bachelor of Specialized Studies in ethnobotanical ecology, which focuses on the interaction of humans in the biotic world (e.g. plants and people). Additionally, Broderick has a Master of Arts in an interdisciplinary program in anthropology and history, as well as a Ph. D in communication studies from Ohio University.

Broderick specializes in food, aesthetics and social change. For Broderick’s dissertation, he conducted an experimental ethnography of a small goat farm in rural southeastern Ohio. He examined the ways in which the food was utilized as an agent of social change and asked the following question: what are the ways in which food is used to create community and social change? He traced a phenomenological arc from consumption to the imagination, story and social change. Thus, Broderick states that his area of focus is on critical approaches to food, culture, aesthetics and non-traditional methods of research and reporting (e.g., creative writing, photography and poetry). Broderick is a proud member of the Virginia Sustainable Food Committee, which looks into ways to incorporate more local foods into the “4 VA” (James Madison University, University of Virginia Academy, Virginia Tech University and George Mason University) dining facilities.

Broderick will be teaching a food and communications course in the spring of 2017. Additionally, he would like to continue to teach courses that focus on critical approaches to food and consumption, as well as develop coursework in aesthetic communication and creative analytics/methodologies. When asked what he likes most about working at JMU, Broderick states, “What’s not to like? It is hands down the best place I’ve ever worked. I’m absolutely excited to come to work each day. My colleagues and the department as a whole are incredibly kind and supportive. The students here are excellent as well. No doubt.”

In Broderick’s free time, he likes to read, spend time with his family, take photos, go to concerts, watch movies and explore the outdoors! Broderick offers his students the following advice, “Live the dream. Take risks. Spend time figuring out what you love and what you’d like to spend your time thinking about; passion drives good research. Be selfish with your time, read good books, listen to good music, go out in nature, see some art, and spend time with thoughtful people. It’s all grist for the mill.”

Please give a warm welcome to Dr. Broderick!

May 12, 2016woocw No Comments

Welcome Professor Sarah Taylor to SCOM

By Amberly Millis (’16)

Introducing Professor Sarah Taylor to the School of Communication Studies! Prior to coming to James Madison University, Taylor studied English literature and women’s studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her academic work revolved around gender identity and how people construct/disclose personal narratives. Following that, Taylor attended the University of Northern Iowa for graduate school to continue her studies on how the way in which individuals “story” themselves reveals their identity narratives, specifically sexual orientation and gender identity. As a student, Taylor was heavily involved in intercollegiate forensics (a form of competitive public speech). First as a competitor and then as a coach— Taylor states that this involvement acted as the application of what she had learned in her academic history.

After completing her graduate work, Taylor spent a few years working as a corporate trainer for both an academic software company and digital marketing firm. Within this position, she spent her time working with adult learners and preparing them for their future careers. Taylor states that this helped her further apply what she had learned in communication studies with regards to organizational communication. Following this, Taylor accepted the position as instructor at JMU! Taylor states that she came to JMU for many reasons, most notably due to the wealth of professional development opportunities for her as both a teacher and an academic. She states that she believes most teachers, who find themselves working in higher education, care very deeply about developing and honing their research abilities, as well as refining their pedagogy. Taylor has been thrilled to find both avenues teeming with chances to better herself. In her time at JMU, she hopes to continue to revise and polish her approach to teaching the basic course (SCOM 123) and find more productive ways to meet University requirements while still empowering her students to become engaged, passionate human beings.

Taylor’s research interests have evolved dramatically within the last five years. She continues to have a strong interest in the performance of queer identities in the corporate space, especially following her experience as a corporate trainer. However, her immediate research interests apply to what is most present in her life as of the moment, which involves integrating social justice paradigms and ethical reasoning into the basic communication course. She is currently working with Professor Annelise Ewing, a fellow new faculty member, to explore themes of social justice in the basic course. Both Taylor and Ewing will be co-teaching a summer program for Valley Scholars that will explore some of these themes!

Taylor states that her love for JMU and the SCOM has only continued to grow ever since she first stepped foot on campus. She provided us with one example in particular as to why she believes working here is truly an exceptional experience. During the spring semester, Taylor was wrought with challenges that she had not anticipated. A family emergency led her 1000 miles away from JMU and back to Wisconsin. During that time, she received no backlash from the department but an outpouring of sincere thoughts, prayers and offerings of support. In reflection, Taylor states, “I cannot say how much that has meant to me as a new faculty member, and I am entirely grateful for the community in this department that elicited that response.”

When Taylor is out of the classroom, she enjoys spending her free time with her fiancé. Recently, she has been very busy planning their upcoming wedding! She states that she looks forward to all of their adventures ahead, whether that be going to concerts, baking or exploring! Taylor offers her students the following pieces of advice, “Find out what you care about and pursue that RECKLESSLY. I loved my work as a corporate trainer, but I recognized that it was not what I was supposed to be doing forever. So, I shifted gears, pulled up my roots, moved 1000 miles away and began the lifelong work of becoming a teacher. Give yourself permission to decide, change directions, flounder and fly.”

Please give Professor Taylor a warm welcome!

May 11, 2016woocw No Comments

Introducing Dr. Kathryn Hobson

By Brittany Leuth (’18)

Dr. Kathryn Hobson is a new faculty member to join the School of Communication Studies and teaches within the cultural communication concentration. Prior to her career at JMU, Hobson studied at Luther College and majored in American studies with a minor in women’s studies. As an undergrad, Hobson knew that she also wanted to minor in communication studies, however was terrified to take the required public speaking course. She put off taking the class until her senior year, and even after taking the course promised herself that she would never present in front of others again! For her master’s and Ph. D, Hobson attended the University of Denver to study culture and communication with a heavy emphasis on intersectionality of identities. Immediately post-graduation, she began teaching intercultural communication at Bloomsburg University. Hobson taught there for two years before coming to JMU. Today, Hobson public speaks on a daily basis and is proud to say she is proof that the more you speak in front of others, the better and more comfortable you become!

In addition to teaching at JMU, Hobson loves to conduct research and is currently working on a collaborative ethnography with her colleague Dr. Michael Broderick, where they use writing as a method of inquiry to understand family, pain, loss, trauma, and working class identity. Recently, Hobson had a proposal she wrote with a colleague accepted for a book chapter on disabilities, media and queer identity. She is also working on a piece about cognitive and emotional disabilities represented on television with a former student at Bloomsburg University. In previous years, Hobson has published pieces on queer femininity, queer friendship, racial identity and critical whiteness studies. Her work focuses on intersectionality and the performance of identities, specifically in the LGBT*QIQAP+ community and how femininity is impacted by sexuality, race and class.

Hobson believes that JMU is a great fit for her because of how the cultural communication track lines up perfectly with her PhD and communication interests. Hobson states that she feels very much at home within this area. She currently enjoys teaching both the classes, Intercultural Communication (SCOM 248) and Ethnographic Approaches to Communication (SCOM 349). Hobson states that she loves both of these classes because they are her “jam” and where her passions come out. Hobson would eventually like to teach a class on “communication, sexuality, and intersectionality” because it lines up with her interests and she believes that her students would be interested in taking such a class.

Hobson’s talents go beyond her public speaking skills and great knowledge of intercultural communication. As side hobbies, Hobson enjoys hiking, swimming, spending time with her two dogs (Indigo and Morty), and refinishing old furniture. One secret passion that Hobson shared with us is her love for performance and dance. Not only does she love watching performances, but she loves to perform herself! In fact, Hobson was in Shout Out’s annual V-Day event. Hobson states, “I believe that art can create social justice and change. Really, I just want to leave the world a little better than I found it and however I can make that happen is my passion.”

Although Hobson has only been here for a short amount of time, she has many reasons why she already loves JMU so much. “The students—hands down! Especially the cultural communication students, but really all the students, make this one of the best places to work,” states Hobson, “They are all incredibly kind and prepared. They want to be challenged, so I try hard to bring that challenge. And of course, my colleagues. They are just so passionate and caring, and I have so much to learn from them. Just like the students, they too have been incredibly welcoming. It also helps that this university is in a gorgeous setting, with people who, I think, want to make a difference in the world for the better.”

Hobson offers her students the following pieces of advice, “Be open-minded to hearing stories that are different from yours, this will prove invaluable to you as you go through life. Everyone has a story. Listen a lot, but also be willing to speak out or act in ways that serve the greater good. Also, public speaking doesn’t have to be that bad. Practice a lot, stretch and meditate to rid of excess energy before speaking. It helps so much. Then just a general piece of practical advice is to wear sunscreen. It’s science, y’all.”

Be sure to enroll in Professor Hobson’s Intercultural Communication (SCOM 248) and Ethnographic Approaches to Communication (SCOM 349) classes in order to learn more about why these topics are her “jam” this fall!

Please give a warm welcome to Dr. Kathryn Hobson!

April 27, 2016woocw No Comments

Welcome Dr. Lars Kristiansen to SCOM

By Amberly Millis (’16)

Introducing Dr. Lars Kristiansen, another one of the newest faculty members to join SCOM this year. Kristiansen received his undergraduate degree in public relations management from the BI Norwegian Business School, his masters from Illinois State University and worked on his Ph. D. at the University of Missouri. Afterwards he accepted a job position at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois as not only an assistant professor, but the coordinator of the public relations department.

Kristiansen’s expertise is in image restoration and repair strategies. He is interested in the rhetorical aspects of how and what people/companies say manifests into messages and ultimately dictates what they are accused of. Kristiansen’s main interest is to analyze how such individuals and companies subsequently recover or rebuild a tarnished image in terms of ethical or unethical image repair strategies. Kristiansen has invested research on rhetorical and social protests, politics and hate speech. In 2010 Kristiansen published the book, “In Screaming for Change: Articulating a Unifying Philosophy of Punk Rock,” which advances an understanding of punk rock by going beyond description of punk as a musical, political, social and cultural genre of communication. He is currently working on several projects involving craft beer vs. macro beer campaigns (i.e. Budweiser), as well as how image repair plays a part in the political careers of George Bush and Donald Trump. Kristiansen has been at JMU since last August and states that he is very happy with his move to the Shenandoah Valley.

“Working at JMU is not just a job to me, but so much more. I love how strong the sense of community here is,” said Kristiansen, “Everyone is always friendly, willing to help and are so close knit. I love the culture, faculty members and being able to work one-on-one with students. It all starts with the manifestation of simply holding doors open for one another.” Kristiansen believes that JMU is the best of both worlds in terms of being a large, yet small school that is committed to liberal arts learning. Kristiansen is teaching a variety of public relations focused courses at JMU, including SCOM 260, 261, 362 and 460.

“While at JMU, I am going to strive to continue to grow the public relations program alongside my colleagues and make sure to train students for the 21st century in terms of what they need to be able to do in their select careers,” added Kristiansen. Kristiansen challenges all of his students to use language for strategic purposes in terms of analyzing the world around them. He encourages them to read, watch and attempt to understand everything by breaking down the critical problems that surround them in terms of language.

When not teaching, Kristiansen enjoys spending his free time hiking in the valley, reading and playing music. Currently, he is trying to put together a faculty band!

Please give a warm welcome to Dr. Kristiansen!

April 25, 2016woocw No Comments

Welcome Professor Annelise Ewing to SCOM

By Catherine Montgomery (’18)

SCOM has recently welcomed six new faculty members into the school. One of these professors is Ms. Annelise Ewing. Prior to coming to JMU, Ewing attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska for her undergraduate degree. Following that, she received her Master’s degree from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, where she taught as well. Ewing has been quick to make Harrisonburg her home and JMU her second family.

So what brought Ewing to James Madison University? Well, she was fresh out of Illinois State University having received her masters and she was looking for a program. She then came across JMU and found it quite appealing. Ewing came to visit and fell in love with the department, as well as the gorgeous town. Ewing happily accepted a position once it was offered. Since being at JMU, she has mostly taught the course SCOM 123, while dabbling in interpersonal communication courses as well.

However, Ewing has not just been teaching though. She has also been quick to get involved in the JMU community. One way she’s gotten involved is by working with the university‘s speech team by doing voluntary coaching. This past spring break, she also went on an Alternative Break to Lakeland Florida through JMU as the faculty member. On the Alternative Break she worked with a team of students on the East Coast Migrant Head Start Program for one week.

Moving to a new place can be tough, but it can also be exciting. When asked what was her favorite part about JMU, Ewing stated, “I’ve loved the sense of community that is here in both the department, university and Harrisonburg in general.” This may be something we hear a lot and perhaps don’t understand after being at JMU for so long but she went on to say, “It’s different than anywhere I’ve ever been, and generally very nice.” She takes note of how people make a point to always say “thank you” and “please, as well as open doors for others.

While here, Ewing has become a popular teacher among students, which we may be able to partly attribute to her teaching rule of thumb, “Always make it apply back to what you’re going to use in your life beyond the JMU bubble.” In addition, she maintains an open door policy saying, “My door is always open if people want to come visit, tell me about new places to go in Harrisonburg.” So stop by Roop Hall and show Ewing the JMU hospitality we’re known for and have a chat.

Please give a warm welcome to Professor Annelise Ewing!

April 20, 2016woocw No Comments

32 Students and Faculty Represent SCOM at ECA Conference

By Amberly Millis (’16)

March 31 to April 3, students and faculty members in the School of Communication Studies at James Madison University presented at the 107^th Eastern Communication Association Convention at the Hyatt Regency in Inner Harbor Baltimore, Maryland. These Students and faculty members presented their scholarly research in the convention’s informational and/or competitive panels.

JMU undergraduate student participants included:

Amy D’Amato, Lauren Antilety, Nicole Banville, Alexandra Foley, Katie Haskins, Andrew Haveles, Haley Hoff, Gina Jeliff, Yoon Ko, Kaitlyn Lema, Laura Mack, Kathryn McAnally, Amberly Millis, Amanda Pennypacker, Ashley Reynolds, Emma Talkington, Haley Winter, and Lindsay Wright.

Graduate student participants included:

Erin Casey, Claire Habel, Austin Woodruff, and Leanna Smithberger.

Faculty member participants included:

Dr. Carlos Aleman, Dr. Timothy Ball, Dr. Lori Britt, Dr. Heather Carmack, Dr. Eric Fife, Dr. Lindsey Harvell, Dr. Kathryn Hobson, Dr. Tatjana Hocke, Dr. C. Leigh Nelson, and Ms. Christina Saindon.

These participants joined with experts and scholars from all over the country to present their research on a variety of communication studies subjects, including crisis, interpersonal, advocacy, leadership, health, organizational, media, rhetorical, and many more. This year’s selection was very competitive, so please congratulate your fellow Dukes for their hard work and accomplishments!

To learn how you can apply to partake in next year’s ECA Conference, go to www.ecasite.org for more information.