The Basic Communication Course as our “Front Porch”

Greetings! The spring 2013 semester has been fast and productive in the Department of Communication. The Vicki Stanton Public Showcase included more than 600 Missouri State student participants. Congratulations to Dr. John Bourhis, Director of the Basic Communication Course/Professor of Communication, Jerri Lynn Kyle, Senior Instructor of Communication, and all COM 115 faculty members who did an outstanding job hosting this event. One of my favorite components of our department is the Basic Communication Course (COM 115). In fact, Dr. Steve Beebe, President of the National Communication Association reminds us that if we were to designate our most important room in the house, it would be the front porch and our nearly 100-year-old National Communication Association also has a “front porch” — the Basic Communication Course.

I have often said that the COM 115 Basic Communication Course here at Missouri State is one of the best in the nation — for many years it has contributed to the foundation of our national academic home. The Basic Communication Course is usually the first course to welcome students to the study of human communication. The course is the largest single comprehensive instructional source of information about human communication in the world. The Basic Communication Course provides training in oral communication — one of the highest ranking skills employers require across the nation. As I look back at the strong tradition and quality of the Basic Communication Course at Missouri State, I am reminded that leadership and dedication matter. Bourhis has served as the Basic Course Director since 1997 and I would like to recognize him for his years of leadership and dedication to our COM 115 program.

 

Norander named Provost Fellow-Writing

Congratulations to Dr. Stephanie Norander on her appointment as Provost Fellow for Faculty Development-Writing. Norander will maintain her position as Assistant Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication. Her duties as the Provost Fellow for Faculty Development-Writing will include a variety of special projects such as:

• Development of faculty writing programs/retreats
• Graduate student writing support programs
• Work with the Writing Fellows Program
• Develop programs related to writing across the curriculum based on university needs
• Research and support writing across the curriculum at the university (i.e. research grants, explore other university writing programs).

The Provost Fellow for Faculty Development-Writing is a unique appointment that makes a direct impact on faculty research/creative endeavor as well as curricular initiatives across the university. No doubt, Norander is an outstanding scholar who will do an incredible job in the position.

The Basic Communication Course and COM faculty like Bourhis, Norander, and Kyle are just three examples of faculty excellence in the Department of Communication at MSU. Have a great summer and congratulations to all of the 2013 COM graduates. Stay tuned for more information about future department events and accomplishments. Have a great summer. Go Bears!

Shawn Wahl