The communication department’s signature annual event, COM Week, will occur on Feb. 22-26 this year, and brings with it speakers who are leaders in their fields. This year’s theme is Foundations, and Dr. Kory Floyd will present at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 23 in Plaster Student Union Ballroom East.

Floyd focuses on interpersonal relationships.

Floyd (PhD. University of Arizona) is an award-winning professor of communication at the University of Arizona. His research focuses on the communication of affection in close relationships and its effects on stress and physiological functioning.

He has written 14 books and more than 100 scientific papers and book chapters. He is the current editor of Communication Monographs.

One of his newest books, “The Loneliness Cure,” examines the problem of affection deprivation and identifies strategies for increasing affection and intimacy in close relationships.

His has earned the Charles H. Woolbert award, NCA’s Bernard J. Brommel award and the International Association for Relationship Research’s Early Career Achievement awards.

Other speakers to discuss topics in privacy, diversity and social justice

Visit the website for a full list of speakers in this year’s COM Week.