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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

Dr. Jeffery Gentry
Dr. Jeffery Gentry
Baird Hall, Room 221B
918-343-7742
jgentry@rsu.edu
Personal Web Page »

Faculty

Dr. Jeffery Gentry
Department Head and Professor
Greg Kunz Endowed Chair in Communications

Education

Ph.D., Communication
University of Oklahoma
Dissertation: Questions to the First Minister of Scotland
2003

M.A., Speech Communication
Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Thesis: Regional Variation in Communication Apprehension: A Study of the Rocky Mountain West
1988

B.A., Communication Arts
Eastern Montana College, Billings (High Honors)
1986

Professional Experience

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • August 2010 - present: Professor
  • July 2004-July 2010: Associate Professor (full-time, with tenure granted in 2008)
  • Since 2007 Communications Department; from 2004-2007 Communications and Fine Arts Department
    • Courses Taught: speech communication, interpersonal communications (on-ground and online), argumentation & persuasion, communications theory, communication in organizations, small group discussion (on-ground & online), mass media communication, senior capstone
    • Administrative Duties: Head the Department of Communications (since 2007), including administrative oversight of KRSC-FM and RSU Theatre
  • August 2009 - July 2010: Served as acting department head for the Department of Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justic
  • 2004 - 2007: Headed the Department of Communications and Fine Arts, consisting of the disciplines of communications, English, languages, Native American studies, humanities, art, music, and philosophy.
  • Courses Taught at RSU: As an associate professor of communications and department head since 2004 I have taught the following courses on a 3-3, 2-3, or 2-2 schedule, with the remainder granted as release time to administer the department(s):
    • SPCH 1113 Speech Communication
    • COMM 1123 Interpersonal Communications (also developed online version)
    • COMM 2723 1Small Group Discussion (also developed online version)
    • COMM 3253 Argumentation and Persuasion
    • COMM 3613 Mass Media Communication
    • COMM 3833 1Communications Theory
    • COMM 4223 1Communication in Organizations
    • COMM 4913 Senior Capstone
    • 1 New course I have developed for RSU (i.e., not previously offered)

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, OK

  • August, 1991-June 2004: Language Arts Department. From 1991-2000 I taught as an instructor; from 2000-2004 I taught as an Assistant Professor, with tenure granted in 2002.
    • Courses Taught: public speaking, intercollegiate forensics, small group communication, persuasion, readers theatre, oral interpretation, argumentation & debate, senior seminar, media production, intro to mass communication, sports broadcasting, communication theory, speech methods for secondary teachers.
    • Administrative Duties: coached and directed the speech and debate team.

Ottawa University, Ottawa, KS

  • August, 1990-May, 1991: Instructor (full-time, tenure-track), Department of Speech, Communication and Theatre
    • Courses Taught: public speaking, intercollegiate forensics, argumentation & debate.
    • Administrative Duties: coached and directed speech and debate team.

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

  • August, 1988-May, 1990: Lecturer (full-time), Department of Speech Communication
    • Courses Taught: public speaking & discussion, oral interpretation. I also taught my own sections as a GTA from 1986-1988.

Guest Lectures/Critiques

  • Debate across the ocean: Sharing and comparing advocacy in New Zealand and the United States. Application for overseas faculty exchange, including request for a partial maintenance grant to the Fulbright Scholar Program (FSP), U.S. Department of State. Propose to represent the United States as a lecturing/research scholar at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, February-July 2011. References: Tracy Frederick, Southwestern College; Frank Elwell and Juliet Evusa, RSU; and Geoffrey W. Kearsley, University of Otago. Funding was not approved by FSP.
  • Senior capstone presentations, Department of Communications & Fine Arts, Spring 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010.  Served on official judging panel to determine annual awards for outstanding and distinguished communications capstones. Genres have included music videos; original screenplays (with sample-scenes produced); commercial, university or non-profit group public relations projects; university-recruiting video/radio advertisements; television sports features; multimedia computer-software programs; outdoor advertising packages, theatrical productions, research projects-papers.
  • Basic content analysis, including an extended example of an original research study on the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict of 2006, to Juliet Evusa’s SBS 3013 Research Methods I class, Spring 2007.
  • American College Theatre Festival: Irene Ryan scholarship competition, February 2007. Critiqued dialogue partners Tina Davis and Paul Fisher of RSU, who performed from William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Director: David Blakely, RSU. Also critiqued stage-production cast on voice & diction elements.
  • The great global media debate, November 11, 2006. Helped design the format and served as guest critic for this debate in Juliet Evusa’s global communications class. Twelve student debaters participated on the debate question: “Does globalization greatly benefit local as well as international media and freedom of expression.”
  • Basic content analysis, including an extended example of an original research study on the Scottish Parliament, to Sharon Fernlund’s Research Methods I class Fall 2004, Fall 2005.

Independent Studies Directed

  • Kayci Collins, Corporate Communications Internship, Summer 2009
  • Lacy Ragland, Corporate Communications Internship, May Intersession 2009
  • Ann Burney, Corporate Communications Internship, Summer 2007
  • Shakendra Leathers, Corporate Communications Internship, Summer 2007
  • Joshua Ellard, Corporate Communication Internship, Summer 2007
  • Will Bushyhead, Senior Capstone, Fall 2006
  • Kalissa Money, Senior Capstone, Fall 2006
  • Julie LaBarr, Communication in Organizations, Spring 2006

Scholarly Publications and Competitively-Selected Convention Papers

Rogers State University, Claremore OK

  • When Westerners Defend Islam Via Performance Art: The Case of Yusuf Islam. Paper presented at the International Conference on Islam and the Media, Boulder, CO, January 2010.
  • The seven steps of impromptu speech preparation. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Ada, OK, September 2009.
  • Using YouTube: Practical applications for 21st century education. Online Classroom, 6, 1-3 (April 2009). Previous version presented at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Oklahoma City, September 2007.
  • Applications of communication theory in musical theatre. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Tahlequah, OK, September 2008.
  • The God intrusion: Richard Dawkins and the refutative critique. Paper presented at the International Conference on Media, Spiritualities and Social Change, Boulder, CO, June 2008. Paper included in Conference Proceedings CD, with content-analysis code book.
      
    Embracing diversity in higher education: Do we really mean it? Paper presented at the Chair Academy’s Annual International Conference, Tucson, AZ, April 2006. Also conducted a 90-minute conference workshop based on the paper.
  • John A. Shields: The spirit of Pi Kappa Delta. The Forensic of Pi Kappa Delta, 90, 27-32 (2005, Summer).
  • The communication of opposition: Debate in the Scottish Parliament (with Misty Williams and Lexi Jones, Southwestern Oklahoma State University). “Top Paper Award” in the Political Communication Interest Group—presented at the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association, Kansas City, MO, April 2005. [CSCA is one of four regional communication associations in the U.S., and is the largest]
  • Citizen reactions to religion in the 1960 presidential campaign: The rise of the Catholic candidate. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Edmond, OK, September 2004.

Previous to RSU

  • Question time in the British and Scottish parliaments. Paper presented at the annual convention of the National Communication Association, Atlanta, GA, November 2001.
  • Readers Theatre: Building a national event. The Forensic of Pi Kappa Delta, 86, 1-10 (2001, Summer). Previous version presented at the biennial convention of Pi Kappa Delta: the national collegiate forensic honorary, Boise, ID, March 2001.
  • Tantalizing enigmas: An ethnography of college theatre. Paper presented at the annual Communication Scholar Conference, Norman, OK, October 2000.
  • Patient revolution: The rhetoric of the Scottish National Party. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association, Detroit, MI, April 2000.
  • Citizen voices in presidential debate reporting (with Ammar Bakkar, Oklahoma University). “Top-Three Paper” in the Political Communication Interest Group—presented at the joint convention of the Central States Communication Association and the Southern States Communication Association, St. Louis, MO, April 1999.
  • But when they shine: Great students in policy debate. The Forensic of Pi Kappa Delta, 85, 1-9 (2000, Winter). Previous version presented at the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association, Chicago, IL, April 1998.
  • Life after debate: Professional debater or public advocate? Rostrum, 71 (5), January 1997, 11-14.
  • Efforts to reform college debate. Journal of Public Advocacy, 1, 26-43, (1996). Previous version presented at the annual convention of the Speech Communication Association (now NCA), New Orleans, LA, November 1994.
  • Robert C. Rowland: Scholar of discord. Paper presented at the Sooner Communication Conference, Norman, OK, March 1996.
  • Performance Readers Theatre: Cultural enrichment for the small town. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association, Oklahoma City, OK, April 1994.
  • Parliamentary impromptu: Using imagination to teach debate. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association, Cleveland, OH, April 1992.
  • Community size and communication apprehension: Is bigger really better? Paper presented at the annual convention of the Colorado Communication Association, Colorado Springs, CO, April 1989.
  • U.S. regional diversity in communication apprehension: A preliminary study. Paper presented at the Northwest Communication Conference, Cour de Alene, ID, April 1986.

Invited Convention Papers

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • Analysis and evaluation of the technology, function and role of RSU Radio, October 2007. Research report prepared at the request of RSU’s Central Administration, including recommendations on the lifespan and eventual replacement of the KRSC-FM transmitter.
  • Testing claims of media bias against Israel. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association, Minneapolis, MN, April 2007.
  • Colin Powell and ethical war making: A reply to Mintz. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Edmond, OK, September 2006.
  • Radical change in faculty and student evaluation: A justifiable heresy? Paper presented at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Edmond, OK, September 2005.
  • Paternalistic messages in cross-cultural rhetoric: Clinton in Africa. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association, Kansas City, MO, April 2005.

Previous to RSU

  • From debate to poetry: The communication arts continuum. Paper presented at the biennial convention of Pi Kappa Delta: the national collegiate forensic honorary, Baltimore, MD, March 2003.
  • Education and courage: The Future of Pi Kappa Delta. Position paper commissioned by Executive-Secretary Michael Bartanen for the Pi Kappa Delta Constitutional Convention, St. Louis, MO, February 2000.
  • Great gains in the Great Plains: The value of forensic conferences. Paper presented at the annual convention of the National Communication Association, Chicago, IL, November 1999.
  • Cloning ourselves to death: A plea for real audiences/real forensics. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Speech Communication Association, Chicago, IL, November 1997.
  • Expanding the range of logos in academic debate. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Speech Communication Association, San Diego, CA, November 1996.
  • Lessons in agape: Are we teaching students to be true lovers? (with Sherrie Sharp, Southwestern Oklahoma State University). Paper presented at the annual convention of the Speech Communication Association, San Diego, CA, November 1996.
  • Transferring forensic skills beyond tournaments. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Edmond, OK, September 1992.

Editing and Reviewing

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • Book reviewer, Pearson, Allyn & Bacon. Reviewed Arguing, Reasoning, & Thinking Well by anonymous in preparation of first edition, Summer 2010.
  • Book reviewer, Bedford-St. Martin’s Press. Reviewed 4th edition of Speaker’s Guidebook by O’Hair, Stewart & Rubenstein in preparation of next edition, Fall 2009.
  • Respondent/moderator: Papers in communication, annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Ada, OK, September 2009.
  • Respondent: Top student-papers panel, annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Tahlequah, OK, September 2008.
  • Editor: OSTCA Newsletter, a publication of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre & Communication Association, 2006-2007 (four published editions).
  • Reader/reviewer: Political Communication Interest Group, Central States Communication Association, 2005-2006.

Previous to RSU

  • Editorial Board Member: The Forensic of Pi Kappa Delta, 1998-2001.
  • Reader/reviewer: Political Communication Interest Group, Central States Communication Association, 1998-1999, 1999-2000.
  • Reader/reviewer: OSTCA Student Paper Competition, Fall 2000.
     Editorial Board Member: Journal of Public Advocacy, 1997-98.
  • Editor: Journal of Public Advocacy, 1995-1997.

Conventions & Convention Panels Chaired

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • Convergence: Education, Technology & Beyond. Annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre & Communication Association, Claremore, to be held at RSU on September 11, 2010. Conference host. Working with RSU colleagues, will coordinate all conference activities, including keynote speaker and luncheon, with OSTCA President Sheryl Lidzy and conference planner Donna Gough. Conference awarded to RSU by OSTCA Executive Committee July 8, 2009.
  • Israeli vs. Hezbollah: A rhetorical war on many fronts. Panel assembled for the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association, Minneapolis, MN, April 2007. Co-chair: Richard Boyd, RSU.
  • Approaching Oklahoma’s Centennial: Our 77th Year. Joint convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre & Communication Association, Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (Communication Division), and Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association, Oklahoma City, September 2006. Conference planner, according to duties as OSTCA Vice President. Recruited, assembled and assisted faculty and student panels, recruited panel chairs and respondents, hosted pre-conference dinner, and introduced luncheon keynote speaker H. Dan O’Hair—President of the National Communication Association.
  • Faculty papers in communication. Panel assembled and chaired at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Edmond, OK, September 2005.

Previous to RSU

  • Making theory talk: Pedagogical considerations in forensics. Panel assembled and chaired at the annual convention of Pi Kappa Delta: The national collegiate forensics honorary, Baltimore, MD, March 2003.
  • Political communication across the global society: Snapshots of rhetorical efforts which cross international borders. Panel chaired at the joint convention of the Central States Communication Association and the Southern States Communication Association, St. Louis, MO, April 1999.
  • Accentuate the positive: Idealized visions of forensics performance. Panel assembled and chaired at the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association, Chicago, IL, April 1998.
  • West Region workshop of the National Educational Debate Association. Workshop assembled and chaired at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Edmond, OK, September 1997.
  • Trends in forensic and performance Readers Theatre. Panel assembled and chaired at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Edmond, OK, September 1993.

Non-Scholarly Publications

Previous to RSU

  • The ups and downs of Oklahoma running. Oklahoma Runner, 12, 11 (January-February 1995).
  • What's your best distance? Oklahoma Runner, 11, 15 (September 1994).

Theatrical and Readers Theatre Productions

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • Seeker. Wrote book for one-act musical play, adapted songs, wrote one song (music/lyrics), and co-directed faculty performers, March 2008. Songs by Cat Stevens. Also performed the role of Jackson and co-produced performances in poetry and music for this faculty showcase. Fellow directors: Joe Cernuto and Shari Munroe.
  • Quest for the Clio. Co-wrote one-act play, adapted material, and directed faculty performers, November 2006. Also performed the role of Steve Bachman. Co-writers: Mitch Markowitz and Heath Doerr. Also coordinated individual and group faculty performances in poetry and music for this faculty showcase.
  • Siddhartha: A musical readers theatre. Adapted material and directed faculty performers, November 2004. Book by Hermann Hesse; songs by Cat Stevens. Also coordinated individual and group faculty performances in poetry and music for this faculty showcase. 

Previous to RSU

  • Guy Noir: Private eye. Twelfth annual Readers Theatre program, November 2003. Co-wrote, adapted material and directed student performers. Featured author: Garrison Keillor.
  • A little tolerance. Eleventh annual Readers Theatre program, November 2002. Co-wrote, adapted material and directed student performers. Published writers: John P. Gibbons, Malu Halasa, Richard W. Stevenson, David Wild, and Nigel Williamson. Songs by Cat Stevens.
  • The lives of English majors. Tenth annual Readers Theatre program, November 2001. Adapted material and directed student performers. Radio drama by Garrison Keillor. Additional material by Duane Bye.
  • Wonka 2000: The real story. Ninth annual Readers Theatre program, November 2000. Adapted material and directed student performers. Book and screenplay by Roald Dahl. Songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Additional material by Sean Abley.
  • Stories and poems From Central Africa. Eighth annual Readers Theatre program, November 1999. Adapted material and directed student performers. Book by Philip Gourevitch. Poems by Catherine Obianuju Acholonu, Amelia Blossom Pegram, Roland Tombekai Dempster, Gabriel Okara, Matei Markwei.
  • Curmudgeons on parade. Seventh annual Readers Theatre program, December 1998. Co-wrote, adapted material, and directed student performers. Published writer: Jon Winokur.
  • Quest for the Clio. Sixth annual Readers Theatre program, October 1997. Co-wrote, adapted material, and directed student performers. Co-writers: Mitch Markowitz and Heath Doerr.
  • The lighter side of war. Fifth annual Readers Theatre program, April 1997. Co-wrote, adapted material, and directed student performers. Published writers: William Stafford, Randal Jarrel, Ambrose Bierce, and Rudyard Kipling. Other writers: Tim Conard & Todd McClary.
  • Painful adjustments (directed with Sherrie Sharp). Fourth annual Readers Theatre program, November 1995. Co-wrote, adapted material, and directed student performers. Published writers: Anton Chekhov; Judith Viorst; Alfred Yankovic; Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, & Bob Carroll.
  •  Seeker. Third annual Readers Theatre program, November, 1994. Wrote all spoken dialogue and one song (words/music; musical arrangement by Jennifer Travis); adapted material, and directed student performers. All other songs by Cat Stevens.
  •  Isn’t it romantic? Second annual Readers Theatre program. November, 1993. Co-wrote, including one song (words/music; musical arrangement by Jennifer Kurtz); adapted material, and directed student performers. Published writers: Edna St. Vincent Millay, Anton Chekhov, Bernard Malamud, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
  • Siddhartha. First annual Readers Theatre program, November, 1992. Adapted material and directed student performers. Book by Hermann Hesse; songs by Cat Stevens.

Public-Interest Forums Produced

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • Debatewatch 2008. Co-hosted and facilitated Claremore discussion group sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, October 15, 2008 (with Dr. Kenneth Hicks). Barack Obama and John McCain debated in Hempstead, NY, moderated by Bob Schieffer. Disseminated survey forms to campus and community attendees and facilitated post-debate discussion.
  • Self-empowerment in a rapidly changing world, by CFA invited speaker Billy Mills, October 25, 2005. Duties included 1) proposed program, secured funding and booked speaker, 2) headed publicity and wrote press-release information for Public Relations Department, 3) presented “Running Brave,” the major motion picture on Billy Mills’ life in the Will Rogers Auditorium, 4) introduced speaker for main event, 5) produced fund-raising luncheon for Native American student scholarships via the Foundation, 6) gave after-dinner speech, “What it takes to be an Olympian,” 7 ) helped arrange for speaker to give visit Native American Student Association meeting, present a class lecture in Sharon Fernlund’s sociology class, and appear on “Native Air” with Hugh Foley. Fellow invited-speaker committee members: Hugh Foley and Chip Rogers.
  • Faculty versus student debate. Designed the format for debates over student absence policies, quantitative class requirements, and grade inflation; April 14, 2005. Faculty debaters: Nat Hardy, Sue Katz, and Kenneth Hicks. Student debaters Billy Bowers, Lucas DeVore, and David Nichols.
  • Debatewatch 2004. Hosted and facilitated Claremore discussion group sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, October 13, 2004. George W. Bush and John Kerry debated in Tempe, AZ, moderated by Bob Schieffer. Disseminated national survey forms to campus and community attendees, facilitated post-debate discussion, and wrote facilitator’s report. Research results sent to national research coordinator Diana Carlin, Lawrence, KS. Nationwide there were 4,800 Debatewatch participants for this debate, viewing from 540 sites.

Previous to RSU

  • Cloning Debate. Designed the format and moderated debate hosted by the Panorama Committee, October 3, 2002. Speakers: Gregory E. Pence, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; Nigel M. de S. Cameron, Ph.D., Senior Fellow and International Advisory Board member for The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. Student assistants: Jessica Oxford and Shane Farmer, Communication Arts.
  • Debatewatch ’96. Hosted Weatherford discussion groups sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates. Bill Clinton and Bob Dole debated in Hartford, CN on October 6, and San Diego, CA on October 16. Campus and community attendees participated in nationwide survey—results sent to national research coordinator Diana Carlin, Lawrence, KS. Discussion facilitator: Sunny Craig, Communication Arts major.
  • Campus debate ’96: “Should the personal income tax be abolished?” Produced and hosted this public debate forum, which also served as the West Region All-Star Debate for the National Educational Debate Association, April 1996. Affirmative: Eric Houser, Oklahoma City University, and Lance Leslie, Northern Oklahoma College. Negative: Sarah Johnson, University of South Dakota, and Sunny Craig (Communication Arts major), Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Moderator: Jase Humphrey, double major in Communication Arts and Political Science, Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
  • Campus debate ’95: “Should assisted suicide be legalized?” Produced and hosted this public debate forum, April 1995. Affirmative: Jennifer Travis, Communication Arts major. Negative: Sunny Craig, Biology major (later Communication Arts). Moderator: Melanie Day, Communication Arts major.
  • Oklahoma Sixth District congressional debates, Summer 1994. Designed the format and served as moderator for these special-election debates between Frank Lucas and Brooks Douglass (Republican primary), and Frank Lucas and Dan Webber (general election), which were broadcast live across the state from Elk City on the Oklahoma News Network. (Representative Glenn English’s mid-term retirement necessitated this election.)
  • Campus debate ’94: “Should the United States increase legal immigration?” Produced and hosted this public debate forum, April 1994. Affirmative: Jeff Nease, Political Science major. Negative: Nanisa Pereles, Speech-theatre major. Moderator: Jennifer Edgar, double-major in Health Information Management and Healthcare Administration.

Media Productions

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • Population Disaster. Sixty-minute public-affairs program broadcast on KRSC-TV on May 20 and 23, 2010. Researched, produced, field-produced, wrote prepared copy, and hosted panel discussion. Panelists: Dr. Craig St. John, Oklahoma University; Jennifer Dunford, Dunford Family Ministries, Custer City; Dr. Lanny Endicott, Oral Roberts University; Kristen McCormack, Shikoba Recycling, Tulsa.
  • Great moments in baseball history; Great moments in softball history. Wrote fifteen spots of public interest to air between innings of RSU Baseball and RSU Softball games, KRSC-91.3 FM, Spring 2010.
  • No debt no sweat seminar, November 2009. Served on committee to bring national-recognized financial advisor Steve Diggs to Tulsa on November 1-2, 2009. Wrote and placed 30-second commercial spot for 26 airings on KXOJ-100.9 FM.
  • This date in baseball history; This date in women’s sports history. Wrote fifteen spots of public interest to air between innings of RSU Baseball and RSU Softball games, KRSC-91.3 FM, Spring 2009.
  • My little one: music video production, June 2009. Wrote lyrics and music, shot and edited video. Arranger and pianist: Jennifer Dunford. Uploaded for webcast on <YouTube.com/gentracles>
  • America the ignorant? Sixty-minute public-affairs program broadcast live on KRSC-TV, May 12, 2009 and rebroadcast on May 20, 2009. Researched, produced, field-produced, wrote prepared copy, and hosted panel discussion. Panelists: Dr. Lara Foley, Tulsa University; Derek Sparks, legislative aide to Congresswoman Mary Fallon; Dr. Juliet Evusa, Rogers State University; Dr. Kenneth Hicks, Rogers State University.
  • The truth about political ethics. Sixty-minute public-affairs program broadcast on KRSC-TV, October 16, 2008 and rebroadcast on October 24, 2008. Researched, produced, field-produced, wrote prepared copy, and hosted panel discussion. Panelists: Brad Carson, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses and member of Congress from 2001-2005; Bill LaFortune, administrative law judge and mayor of Tulsa from 2002-2006; Cindy Morrison, reporter and anchor for KTUL News Channel 8; and Wayne Greene, Editorial-page editor for the Tulsa World.
  • Josh Buehler professional-theatre audition, March 2008. Co-produced and shot successful six-minute audition video for RSU senior Josh Buehler for the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival, Durant. Buehler appeared in Henry IV and Guys and Dolls in repertory, July 2-20, 2008. Scene partner: Katie Hendrickson; Director/coach: David Blakely. Uploaded for webcast on <YouTube.com/user/1dablak>
  • Love you:  music video production, April 2007. Wrote lyrics and music, performed vocal track, shot and edited video. Arranger and pianist: Jennifer Dunford. Uploaded for webcast on <youtube.com/gentracles>
  • Fresh goes better with Mentos: commercial parody produced and filmed for the RSU Faculty Showcase, November 2007. Actors: Instructor Joseph Cernuto and students Don Horn, Carolina Klamm, and Philip Tallman. Uploaded for webcast on <youtube.com/gentracles>
  • Every moment: music video produced and presented on October 25, 2005 in honor of CFA invited speaker Billy Mills. Vocals by Joy Williams. Written by Jesse Butterworth, Regie Hamm, and Joy Williams. Video co-producers Cathy Coomer and Dale McKinney, featuring RSU student Carolina Klamm.
  • Guest co-host, “Misti in the morning” radio program (with Misti Grannemann), KRSC 91.3 FM, January 12, 2005.

Previous to RSU

  • Keeping the faith: Forensics faces the future. Panelist in spotlight program videotaped for sale by the Central States Communication Association. Panelists “discussed the challenges faced by current forensics professionals in assuring the continued vitality of forensics education.” Presented at the joint convention of the Central States Communication Association and the Southern States Communication Association, St. Louis, MO, April 1999.
  • Discussion: The lost event. Oral history videotape presented at the biennial Pi Kappa Delta National Convention and Tournament, Tacoma, Washington, March 1993. Wrote script and directed student actors. This fourteen-minute video won the third-place award in Oral History.
  • John A. Shields: The spirit of Pi Kappa Delta. Oral history videotape presented at the biennial Pi Kappa Delta National Convention and Tournament, Eatontown, New Jersey, March 1991. Wrote script and directed student performers. This twenty-minute video won the first-place award in Oral History.

Workshop Presentations

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • Overview of Student Code. Forty-five minute presentation for RSU’s new faculty orientation, sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning, August 4, 2009; August 3, 2010.
  • The communication arts continuum. Colloquium presented at the School of Liberal Arts series of the Colloquia for Humanities Research, Stratton Taylor Library, September 28, 2007.
  • The surprising truth about media bias, April 12, 2007. An Oklahoma Humanities Council lecture for the “Territory Speaker’s Program,” sponsored by All Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK.
  • Advisement workshop coordinator. Prepared the presentation, “An advisor/advisee agreement” and facilitated presentations by Carole Burrage and Peggy Dugan during RSU’s new faculty orientation, August 2004.

Previous to RSU

  • The Readers Theatre script: Do not be intimidated. Presentation (with Misty Williams) for the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Edmond, OK, September 2002.
  • The surprising truth about media bias. Presentation for the SWOSU Media Literacy Workshop, Weatherford, OK, November 2000.
  • Readers Theatre. Presentation made at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Ada, OK, September 2000.
  • Affirmative topic analysis. Presentation made at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Ada, OK, September 2000.
  • Experimental forensic events: Readers Theatre. Presentation made at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Edmond, OK, September 1999.
  • Corporate emphasis on profit: Affirmative topic analysis. Presentation made at the West Region Workshop of the National Educational Debate Association, Edmond, OK, September 1998.
  • Assessing the educational outcomes of debate participation. Presentation made at the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association, Chicago, IL, April 1998.
  • Adapting to lay judges. Presentation made at the West Region Workshop of the National Educational Debate Association, Edmond, OK, September 1997.
  • Stock issues analysis. Presentation made at the West Region Workshop of the National Education Debate Association, Oklahoma City, OK, January 1997.
  • Character and politics: Negative topic analysis. Presentation made at the West Region Workshop of the National Educational Debate Association, Edmond, OK, September 1996.
  • Forensics accessibility, accountability and assessment. Presentation made at the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association, St. Paul, MN, April 1996.
  • Affirmative Action: Negative topic analysis. Presentation made at the West Region Workshop of the National Education Debate Association, Edmond, OK, September 1995.
  • Communication confidence. Presentation made for the SWOSU chapter of the American Association of University Women, May 1995.
  • Long-term benefits of impromptu speaking participation. Presentation made at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Edmond, OK, September 1994.
  • Confident communication. Three-week adult education seminar, SWOSU, Summer 1994.
  • Building the collegiate Readers Theatre program. Presentation made at the annual convention of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, Edmond, OK, September 1993.

General University Service

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • Grant seeking: The basics, July 2010. Tulsa City-County Library workshop presented by Melissa Kash-Holley at Tulsa Central Library. Represented RSU at this continuing education workshop.
  • National Incident Management System, April 2010. Completed introductory course, incident command system for higher education course, initial action incidents course, and national response framework course.
  • Member, RSU Scholarship Committee, 2009-2010 (awarding for 2010-11).
  • Member, search committee for new position in prospective student services, Department of Admissions, 2009-10.
  • Participant, RSU Foundation annual scholarship auction and dinner. Claremore Expo Center, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010.
  • Member, Cultural Subcommittee of RSU’s Strategic Planning Committee, Fall 2009.
  • Teaching to promote learning: Survival of the basic course, April 2009. Eastern Communication Association, Philadelphia, PA. Represented RSU at this assessment workshop, with panels on civic engagement, course development, retention and best practices.
  • General-education faculty representative: NLNAC site visit for RSU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), 2009, 2010.
  • Peer faculty observer for Communications instructors Cathy Coomer 2009-09, and Juliet Evusa, David Blakely, Lee Williams, 2007-08; and for Spanish instructors Joanne Lalicker, 2004-05, and Guido Arze, 2006-2007.
  • School of Liberal Arts Review Committee for the 2007-08 A.A. program reviews (chair). Fellow members Mary Mackie and David Tait.
  • Inviting all communications majors. Co-created and assisted inaugural departmental reception for Communications Department students at the Foundations Gallery, September 25, 2007. Co-chairs: Juliet Evusa and Cathy Coomer.
  • Making a Difference in Student Learning: Assessment as a Core Strategy, July 2007. Higher Learning Commission. Represented RSU at this national workshop with Larry Minks, Linda Andrews, and Bert Tollison.
  • Peer faculty observer for Spanish instructors Joanne Lalicker, 2004-05; Guido Arze, 2006-2007; Communications instructors Juliet Evusa, David Blakely, Lee Williams, 2007-08.
  • Oklahoma Adult Degree Completion Program, 2006-07. Participated in statewide conferences on September 21-22 and November 28-29, 2006. With Richard Boyd I created the “Communication Strategies” focus, and with Diana Lurz I contributed to the “Liberal Studies” focus.
  • Official testing proctor for disabled RSU student in Intermediate Algebra, Summer 2006. Instructor: Trish Jones.
  • Researched/proposed future sport for RSU Athletics (cross country), June 2006, at the request of Athletic Director Wren Baker.
  • Served on search committee for Kunz Endowed Chair of Communication, School of Liberal Arts, 2006. Frank Elwell, Chair.
  • Discussion facilitator, Martin Luther King, Jr. Discussion Forum. Stratton Taylor Library, January 19, 2006.
  • Architect Selection Committee, Spring 2005. The committee met several times to screen, interview finalists, and select the architect for a $14.4 million project for building renovations, infrastructure, and a new classroom building.
  • Search committee for criminal justice position, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Fall 2004.

Previous to RSU

  • Faculty University Tenure and Promotion Review Committee, 2003-04
  • Forensics Coach, 1991-2003.
  • Faculty Senator, 1999-2002. Represented Language Arts Department
  • Arts & Sciences Enrichment Committee, 2000-2001
  • Student Affairs Committee, 1999-2002
  • Language Arts assessment committee, 1999-2001
  • Assessment committee for the Basic Speech course, 1996-2003. In 1998-99 I coordinated the project, which produced the assessment document and recommendations for future assessment
  • Assessment committee for the Communication Arts major, 1996-2003.
  • School of Education entrance interviews, Fall 1994, Spring 2001, Fall 2002, Spring 2003.

Recruitment of Students

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • Articulation agreement between RSU and Tulsa Community College. Authored draft submitted to Beverly Bailey of TCC for smoother transfer of students from TCC’s A.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication for admission into RSU’s Communications B.A., option in Radio-Television, May 2010.
  • Annual high school forensics tournament. Serve as site coordinator for the Northeast regional high school speech and debate tournament, which brings several-hundred high school students to the Claremore campus, Spring 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010.
  • Campus tour of RSU for Teresa Piper and Tulsa Technical College. Served as host for 30 video-production students from TTC for a comprehensive visit of RSU’s campus. Organized event, wrote planning agenda, scheduled tour guides and speakers, Spring 2009, 2010.
  • Saturday freshmen enrollment/advisement clinic participant: Destination RSU, First Choice RSU, RSU Summer Saturday, Early Enrollment Day, and Open House Saturday, 2004-present.
  • Information-table volunteer, prospective students: Oklahoma Music Educators Association convention, Tulsa Convention Center, January 29, 2009.
  • Oklahoma Adult Degree Completion enrollment/advisement clinic participant, March 3, 2007.
  • Oklahoma High School Audition Day, Oklahoma City, February 17, 2007. Coordinated the scheduling and communications for this event on behalf of the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre & Communication Association. Auditioned and interviewed senior theatre students with RSU Theatre Director David Blakely.
  • Saturday freshmen enrollment/advisement clinic participant: Destination RSU, First Choice RSU, RSU Summer Saturday, Early Enrollment Day, and Open House Saturday, 2004-present.
  • Miss Edmond-Libertyfest and Miss Edmond Libertyfest-Teen scholarship pageants, June 24, 2006. Attended pageants and wrote recruitment letters to participants eligible for RSU’s $1500 renewable scholarship.
  • Notes on the value of higher education. Original brief detailing the financial advantages of earning a bachelor’s degree. Provided to prospective students since initial draft in Fall 2006. Accompanies the flyer “What Can You Do with a Communication[s] Degree,” by the National Communication Association

Previous to RSU

  • General recruitment. As a forensics coach I often spoke with interested high school and transfer students about the team, as well as the Communication Arts major. Several of these students decided to attend the university, competed on the team and/or majored in communication. I also worked with incoming students during freshmen clinic visits.
  • High school forensics tournament. From 1991-2004 I assisted with the annual SWOSU high school forensics tournament. The two-day event brought in more than 100 participants from across Western and Central Oklahoma.
  • Audition Day, 1999. With Scott Crew and Steve Strickler, I participated in high school “Audition Day,” Spring 1999, sponsored by the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association. We auditioned and interviewed several potential theatre students at this event in Norman.

Service to the Profession

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • Skills-USA Oklahoma State Championship, May 2010. Served as judge for video production contest. Judged documentary and promotional spot categories in secondary and postsecondary student divisions. Tulsa Technology Center, Riverside Campus.
  • Nominations committee, Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, 2007-10 (committee chair 2009-10). Recruit and recommend candidates for the association’s officer and committee positions. Personally recruited and recommended Executive Director-elect Lisa Schroeder (2010-2013), Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
  • Outside peer evaluator, Louisiana State University-Alexandria, November 2007. At the request of the department chair at LSU-A, I provided a portfolio-review for an assistant professor in communication studies seeking promotion and tenure. Specifically, my review was on the candidate’s scholarship/research.
  • Debate-tournament judge, Tulsa Community College’s Green Country Swing, October 2007. Judged parliamentary debate rounds at TCC’s Northeast Campus. The tournament also used my “General Notes on Judging Debate” and “Individual Event Judging” guidelines
  • Past-President, Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, 2007-08. Attended all meetings, contributed conference panel ideas, mentored President Delma Hall, and served on OSTCA Nominations Committee.
  • President, Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, 2006-2007. Called/conducted meetings, edited newsletter, recruited new schools & members, assisted Executive Committee on constitutional amendments and new bylaws, awarded all-state high school one-act play winners and all-state speech and debate winners, et al.
  • Vice President, Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, 2005-06. Select contributions: Recruited new schools and members, created statewide email distribution list, planned 2006 convention.
  • Second Vice President, Oklahoma Speech, Theatre and Communication Association, 2004-05. Select contributions: proposed and implemented teleconferencing for Executive Committee meetings, recruited new members.
  • Member of the OSTCA Communication Division, 2007-present; member of OSTCA Forensics Division, 1991-2007.

Previous to RSU

  • Member of the Oklahoma State Regents Faculty Transfer Curriculum Committee, 1997-98, 2001-02 (speech communication area).
  • Member, Great Plains Forensic Conference Tellers Committee and By-laws Committee, 2001-2002.
  • Commissioned contributor, Pi Kappa Delta Constitutional Convention, Spring 2000. National Executive Secretary Michael Bartanen asked me to research and draft proposals for the first overhaul of the Pi Kappa Delta Constitution since its original ratification in 1913. Most notably, I proposed an amendment that students be required to maintain a 2.5 grade average to be eligible to travel to forensic tournaments. The amendment was ratified by the membership in the Fall of 2000. My other successful proposal was the establishment of Readers Theatre as a regular event at Pi Kappa Delta Nationals.
  • Topic Committee member, Great Plains Forensic Conference, Spring 1999. This committee solicits topics from the GPFC membership, narrows the field to three finalists, and tabulates the votes of the membership on the winning topic.
  • Graduate awards coordinator, Great Plains Forensic Conference, 1998-2000. To recognize student academic success, I proposed that the GPFC bestow awards to graduating seniors (and sophomores from two-year schools) at the 1999-championship tournament. The motion carried, and I collected the necessary information and presented these awards at our year-end tournaments in Spring 1999 and 2000. This effort developed into a standing GPFC awards committee.
  • Member, NEDA Committee on Assessment, 1997-98. The Assessment committee prepared documents to measure the educational effectiveness of NEDA debate. Survey results were tabulated and the committee made an oral report to the membership in April 1998.
  • Vice President, National Educational Debate Association, 1994-97. The NEDA Vice President’s duties are mainly co-extensive with those of a National Council Member, with a few exceptions: I was elected by the membership of both regions, I would have succeeded the President if he were unable to complete his term, I was required to assist the President in coordinating business meetings, and I was charged to oversee and present special awards at the national tournament.
    As NEDA Vice President I drafted two amendments to the Constitution that were ratified: the requirement that at least fifty percent of all ballots be completed by non-traditional judges, and the topicality rule, which is designed to discourage trick affirmative cases and spurious topicality objections by the negative.
  • Member, NEDA Topic Committee, 1994-95, 1997. This committee solicits topics from the NEDA membership, narrows the field to three finalists, and tabulates the votes of the membership on the winning topic. Membership required summer and autumn travel to attend committee meetings in Tonkawa, OK and San Diego, CA (1994-95), and Kankakee, IL (Summer 1997).
  • Judge for American Legion Oratorical Contest, 1991, 1996.
  • Judge for Regional One Act Play Contest, Leedy, OK, 1992.

Community and Public Service

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • Essay judge: Optimist Club of Claremore. Read, critiqued, and judged essays by junior high and high school students on the subject, “The Internet: Today’s evolution or tomorrow’s menace” for scholarships including a first prize of $6,000, February 2010.
  • Banner carrier, RSU Centennial Parade, March 25, 2009. With student Chelsea Davis, marched in parade while carrying banner announcing Miss Oklahoma Kelsey Cartwright, parade marshal.
  • Bowl for Kids Sake April 2005, March 2007, and April 2008. Team captain for teams that raised funds for Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Claremore, OK. Teammates (varied by year) Cindy Gentry, David Winter, Denny Schmickle, Brie Schmickle.
  • Merit badge teacher/counselor: Personal fitness. Boy Scouts of America Troop 970, Spring-Summer 2007.
  • “Celebrity Reader,” Westside Elementary School, December 2006. Read two books for Megan Cernuto’s first-grade class.
  • Recruited speakers for Boy Scouts of America Troop 970, “Citizenship and the nation,” Spring 2005 and Spring 2006. Speakers Diana Clayton and David Blakely, respectively.
  • Memory Walk 2004: Taking steps to end Alzheimer’s. Raised money and walked in this signature event of the Alzheimer’s Association, Tulsa, OK October 10, 2004.

Previous to RSU

  • Disaster cleanup volunteer, United Methodist Council on Relief, Cordell, OK, 2001
  • Fun-run director, “Weatherford Warmup” 2-miler, 1996-2002
  • Three-term member of the Board of Directors, Wesley Foundation Student Center, 1994-1997; 1997-2000; 2001-2004.
  • President, Weatherford Running and Biking Club, 1994-2002
  • Host of “A Mile For America” one-mile run to benefit the American Red Cross, 2001
  • Chairman of the Board of Directors, Wesley Foundation, 1995-97
  • Drama teacher, Weatherford Arts Academy, Summer 1997

Non-Teaching/Administrative

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • Head the Department of Communications, 2007-present; acting head of the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice (2008-2010); headed the Department of Communications & Fine Arts, 2004-07. As a department head, my load and duties are described in RSU’s Faculty Personnel Policies manual. Representative duties include advising a total of 98 incoming Communications majors and 15 incoming PSCJ-Department majors, oversight of faculty recruitment/development/evaluation (all campuses), department budgeting, curriculum development, class scheduling, program and general-education assessment, capital equipment procurement, department-wide student recruitment/retention/advisements, program review, supervision of faculty-managers of RSU Radio and the RSU Theatre, et al. As CFA department head I also provided budgetary and program oversight to two writing laboratories, the Foundations Gallery, the graphics laboratory, and the RSU Bands program.
  • Appendixes focus on original contributions and innovations made as a department head, such as (1) modified electronic degree plan to incorporate each student’s minor, (2) the successful program option and minor proposals in Communication Arts, (3) assistance with design of full-color Communications major brochure (with RSU Public Information), (4) letter to 140 prospective students, (5) report on KRSC-FM’s value to the RSU Mission, (6) commemorative speaking and award-presentations at the year-end SLA honors ceremony, (7) memorandum in support of the successful departmental reorganization, (8) use of systematized faculty schedule requests and fully electronic scheduling of classes, (9) development of the Communications course rotation, (10) expanded use of electronic mail for communication with students, and (11) promotion of departmental events and ceremonies.
      
    RSU Academic Council member 2004-present. Present and review curriculum proposals for the entire university, including CFA Department-sponsored Bachelor of Fine Art in Visual Arts, Minor in Native American Studies, and substantive curriculum modifications in the Communications B.A. and Liberal Arts B.A.

Previous to RSU

  • Forensics director and coach, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, 1991-2003.
  • In thirteen seasons I coached the team at 90 tournaments and logged over 45,000 miles of travel. Duties included (1) coordinated the tournament calendar with area colleagues; (2) taught students basic principles of debate, public speaking and oral interpretation; (3) completed travel requests and worked out travel logistics (motel accommodations, van reservations, cash advances); (4) coached students on competitive techniques before, during and after the tournaments; (5) drove students to and from tournament events; (6) performed all budgeting and record-keeping; (7) served on tournament staff and/or judged competition rounds; (8) compiled records for national qualification eligibility; (9) prepared news releases for public information director, (10) directed a regional collegiate festival and co-hosted high-school tournaments.
                 
    Top accomplishments of individual students coached: 1) Sunny Craig, 3-time National Lincoln-Douglas Debate Champion (1995, 1997, 1998); 2) Sasha Blakley, National Discussion Champion and Gold-medalist (1999); 3) Rhonda Combs, National Gold-medalist in Dramatic Interpretation (1999); 4) Interstate Oratorical Qualifiers1: Lorenzo Dunford (1992), Jennifer Travis (1994), Patricia Cook (2000), Misty Williams (2001), Patrick Vandiver (2002).
  • 1Only two speakers-per-state qualify for this prestigious event, which has been contested each year since 1874. Travis, Cook and Vandiver were state champions, Dunford and Williams were state runners-up.

Individual Professional Awards of Honor

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

  • “Josh Lee Service Award,” Oklahoma Speech, Theatre, and Communication Association, 2009.
  • “Fred Tewell Outstanding College Communication Educator,” Oklahoma Speech, Theatre, and Communication Association, 2006.
  • “Top-Three Paper” award from the Political Communication Interest Group—Central States Communication Association, Spring 2005. Paper: The communication of opposition: Debate in the Scottish Parliament (with Misty Williams and Lexi Jones, Southwestern Oklahoma State University).

Previous to RSU

  • “Coaches Honor Roll: 10 or More Years of Coaching,” Pi Kappa Delta. Award presented by National President Scott Jensen at 2001 Convention & Tournament, Boise, ID.
  • “Top-Three Paper” award from the Political Communication Interest Group—Central States Communication Association, Spring 1999. Paper: Citizen voices in presidential debate reporting (with Ammar Bakkar, University of Oklahoma).
  • “West Region Outstanding Director,” National Educational Debate Association, 1996. Presented by Dr. Larry Underberg, NEDA Executive Secretary.
  • "D.J. Nabors Outstanding College Forensics Coach," Oklahoma Speech, Theatre, and Communication Association, 1994.