January & February 2016 College News

Stephanie Dailey was the recipient of Texas State University’s 2015 Award for Excellence in Online Teaching for her Empirical Research Methods course (COMM 3301). The award recognizes and rewards superior online teaching, provides models of excellence for fellow faculty, and encourages all faculty to continue to improve and advance their online teaching pedagogy. Her grant proposal, “Pumping Up Survey Research: Boosting Participation in Texas State University’s Total Wellness Program” with Tricia Burke , was funded by the Research Enhancement Program. This funding, will support qualitative inquiry to explore the role that coworkers play in inf luencing participation in our wellness program, as well as how people’s sense of identification with the university might affect their wellness choices. Sean Horan provided expert commentary for “Here’s What it’s Really Like to Date Someone Way Hotter Than You,” an article appearing on Mic.com . The article was also featured on Yahoo and discussed part of the “Hot Topics” segment on The View . Sean also contributed expert commentary to an article appearing on Menshealth.com entitled “Why Younger Women Marry Older Men (It’s not always about money).” Alumni Accolades Laura Brown (M.A. 2012) is a Communication Instructor with Asbury University and Eastern Kentucky University. She also coaches women’s basketball at Asbury. The team is currently ranked #22 in the NAIA. James Doran (M.A. 2015) is a Public Speaking Instructor for two colleges in the Atlanta area. He is also actively pursuing work as a film actor. Shanna D. Schultz (M.A. 2015) currently serves as the UIL (University Interscholastic League) Program Coordinator for Houston ISD in the Middle/High school division. Shawn Turner (B.A. 2003) is the recipient of a College of Fine Arts and Communication Outstanding Alumnus Award. He also delivered the keynote address at COMM Week. Stephanie Dailey Shawn Turner delivering the keynote address at COMM Week.