Chair

Mary F. Hoffman, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the department

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My goal as a teacher and researcher is to help improve lives through communication. How we interact with friends, family, coworkers, and how we participate as citizens as well as producers and consumers of mediated messages have a daily impact on our quality of life. I completed my Ph.D. in Communication Studies at the University of Kansas in 2000. From 2000 until 2008, I was a member of the faculty and director of graduate studies in the Department of Communication Studies at Texas State University-San Marcos. I enjoy teaching classes in public and organizational communication, and in organizational rhetoric. My recent research has focused on how organizations and individuals use communication to negotiate the meaning and practice of work/life balance. My work has appeared in Communication Studies, Communication Quarterly, Qualitative Research Reports in Communication, and Western Journal of Communication. Outside of work, I enjoy a good mystery novel, Packer victories, and time with family and friends. I am a Wisconsin native, and am happy to return to the upper Midwest.

Faculty

William Barre, lecturer

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I have been an assistant professor of advertising for the past five years at Kent State University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where I taught Advertising Copywriting, Account Planning, Account Management and Principles of Advertising. I became a professor after a 30-year career in advertising, during which time I was a creative director and a writer at a number of agencies, including J. Walter Thompson/Chicago, Foote, Cone & Belding/Chicago, Campbell-Ewald/Chicago, DraftWorldwide and BVK/Chicago. My work has won several prestigious awards, including a Clio, Communication Arts’ Award of Excellence, the New York Art Directors’ Club, and an Effie. In addition, my work has been featured in Time Magazine, as well as several national newspapers and television programs. I have created campaigns for famous brands like: Gatorade, Van Camp’s pork ‘n beans, Gillette’s Daisy razor, Kraft cheeses, Sears appliances, Jovan fragrances, and Hallmark cards. I recently finished a film about the Uncola campaign, entitled “7-UP: The Uncola Story,” which is being distributed by Insight Media (www.insight-media.com).

Terrence Chmielewski, professor

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My interests have always been on how people get moved into action by communication.  Formally, this is called “the social influence processes,” and it includes the study of persuasion at all levels of the social system, from interpersonal one-on-one persuasion, to public speaking, to social movements and mass media persuasion.  My degrees correspond to my interests.  I graduated from the University of Toledo (1973)  with a B.Ed. in Speech Education, where I had the fortune of teaching public speaking classes my senior year.  I then got an MA in Communication from Miami University (1975), where I taught public speaking, interpersonal communication and small group communication.  I capped off my academic career with a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Communication from Temple University (1980), where I emphasized studying the influence of social movements and the mass media from a rhetorical perspective.  My method of investigation is squarely empirical.  Personally, I’m interested in enjoying good oratory—and what makes it “good.”  I tend to be a news junkie, especially during the elections.

Liz Danko-Chmielewski, senior lecturer

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I teach multiple sections of CJ 202: Public Speaking every semester.  I came here as a temporary replacement in January of 1980, … and except for a few semesters teaching at UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout in the late 1990s, I’ve been teaching here at UW-Eau Claire ever since.  At last count, it’s been 30 years.  Needless to say, I love teaching public speaking.  I am a graduate of John Carroll University (Cleveland, Ohio), where I received a dual degree, in communication, and in sociology. I wrapped up my academic career at the University of Michigan, where I emphasized interpersonal and public communication …  And yes, in case you’re wondering, I met my husband teaching here.

Mike Dorsher, Ph.D., associate professor of journalism

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I teach reporting classes and Mass Media Ethics, imbuing them with my research findings on new media, newsroom diversity and media effects on democracy. I earned a Ph.D. in mass communication from the University of Maryland, a master's in public administration from the University of North Dakota and a B.A. in journalism from the University of St. Thomas. I was one of the founding editors of washingtonpost.com, capping a 20-year career in daily journalism. I commute to UW-Eau Claire from the Twin Cities, where my wife is an editor, and I enjoy telecommuting in summer from our lake home on the North Dakota-Canadian border. 

Janet Driever, senior lecturer

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I have been teaching in the CJ department for decades.  Enough said.  I earned my undergraduate degree from this illustrious university and my M.A. from Purdue University in the areas of Organizational Communication and Interpersonal Communication.  I have taught the basic course, Listening, Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication, Intercultural Communication, Professional Interviewing and Professional Speaking.

In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I am currently the CJ Internship Coordinator and the CJ Intake Advisor so there are always students in my office. I love CJ students - they are the best!

When not at work, i enjoy cooking, gardening, entertaining, reading, family (three grown kids and one high schooler), and friends! I live across the street; ask about my porch.

Martha Fay, assistant professor

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My primary teaching and research interests focus on how interpersonal communication functions to achieve organizational goals, and includes such areas as informal communication, leadership, and identity/identification processes. I am currently working on projects related to remote workers, organizational identification, transformational leadership and conflict, and family communication patterns. Having worked professionally in business management, marketing communication, and strategic planning, and also owning and operating two businesses, I am especially driven to combine theory and practice in my teaching, such that both students and their employing organizations realize maximum benefit from the educational experience.
 
As Assistant Professor here at UWEC, I teach introductory and advanced organizational communication, small group communication, professional interviewing, and the senior capstone class for public and organizational communication students. I have also taught advertising in society, persuasion, public relations, and humanity in literature and nature. Before moving to Eau Claire, I taught organizational communication classes at Ohio State for four years while earning my doctorate, marking a return to academics after 25 years in the private sector. I earned my undergraduate degree in journalism from Kent State University, and my master’s degree in communication and business from the University of Dayton.

When we aren't enjoying the friendly Eau Claire community, my husband and I are in Bayfield, often with some combination of our grown children, Eddie, Bryan and Kelley, and, always with Luci, the cat.

Won Yong Jang, Ph.D., associate professor of
mass communication

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I have  been on the UW-Eau Claire faculty since 2003. I have degrees in Political Science (B.A./M.A., 1992, Sogang University, Korea), Advertising (M.A., 1998, Marquette University) and Communication (Ph.D., 2003, University at Buffalo, SUNY). My writings about communications have appeared in Communication Theory, Journal of International Communication and Handbook of International and Intercultural Communication. I have continued my research about political communication, international communication and health communication. I teach advertising, media law and research methods.

Jack Kapfer, associate professor

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As an alum of UWEC, it was a challenge and thrill to return to my alma mater in 2003 and teach journalism to future news people. As a student I spent four years in various on-air and management positions at the university’s then all-student operated radio station, WUEC- FM. After receiving my B.A. in 1982, I continued to work for Eau Claire’s own WEAU-TV as a production assistant and news photographer. From there I moved to Milwaukee to work for Ch. 4 WTMJ-TV as a video tape editor and news producer. After six years,  I decided to fulfill a longtime dream of attending graduate school so I could teach at the university level. While at UW-Madison’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication (M.A 1997), I worked for the university’s athletics department (seeing the football team win three Big Ten and Rose Bowl championships) as well as WISC-TV. At Ch. 3, I worked in the production department as a production assistant and master control operator and spent a year as the morning news show producer . Eventually, I split time between WISC and their sister production company, MEG Communications. There I worked on programs that have aired on The Discovery Channel and the National Geographic Channel. My first full-time teaching opportunity came at Muskingum College, a small liberal arts college in New Concord, Ohio. There I taught a variety of communications classes and served at the faculty advisor to the student radio station, WMCO-FM. Here at UWEC, I am teaching or have taught Fundamentals of Speech, Audio and Video Production Process, Mass Media History, Mass Media Ethics, and the journalism Capstone course. The course that is most exciting is CJ 335, Radio and Television News Editing, A.K.A Update News. For this fall only class, students put together a weekly TV newscast that is seen live on cable public access television around the Chippewa Valley. The program has received awards from both the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and the Northwest Broadcast News Association.
               
In between classes, I fulfill my duties as an NFL owner and watch my Green Bay Packers compete for a Super Bowl berth (Packers Forever!!!). I also support the Badgers (Go Red!), do some woodworking, and serve as a pillow for my sleeping cats, Wally and Annie.

Xiaodong Kuang, assistant professor

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I earned my B.A. in Economics and M.A. in Linguistics from the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China, and Ph. D. in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I teach public relation courses and research methods. My research focuses mainly on health communication and cross-cultural communication.

Before joining the Blugold community, I was a WildCat at Central Washington University as an Assistant Professor of Public Relations and Advertising. As a Wisconsin Badger graduate, getting back to serve this dairy and ginseng state makes me feel proud to practice “Wisconsin Idea.” So I emphasize the “learning-by-doing” philosophy in teaching and conduct interdisciplinary studies in research. 

Jan Larson, associate professor of journalism

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I earned my undergraduate degree in Communications and Political Science from Stanford University and have an M.S. in journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. An award-winning journalist, I have worked as a reporter and editor at newspapers from Alaska to New York state. I teach both introductory and advanced reporting courses in the department and have a particular interest in the role of journalism in democratic society. One of my favorite things to do is to help young journalists find work in the field. When I’m not bribing students to higher levels of academic achievement with home-baked treats, I prefer to be outside sailing, biking, kayaking and a lot of other "i-n-g" stuff that doesn't involve anything dying.

Ellen Mahaffy, assistant professor

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I earned my BFA in photography from The Maryland Institute, College of Art (1987), and stayed in Baltimore for a few years working as a photographer and darkroom printer. I eventually moved to Rochester, NY and earned my MFA from the Visual Studies Workshop (1993), with artist books and photography as areas of interest, along with video, working with a printing press, and launching exhibitions. That experience led me into the advertising world, where I held positions as designer, print production manager, and art director. Through a twist of fate involving karate and motorcycles, I realized that I love to teach. I taught at the Rochester Institute of Technology and in Lake Tahoe, CA before coming to the UW-Eau Claire. I currently teach visual communication courses (CJ 280 & 380) and photography courses (CJ284 & 384), and advise the Photo Phanatics and Shotokan Karate clubs.

Karen Morris, senior lecturer and
director of UW-Eau Claire Forensics

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I received my bachelor's in Speech Education from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma and my Master's in Communication from Texas State University-San Marcos.  I am beginning my 14th year here at UW-Eau Claire teaching courses such as Interpersonal, Public Speaking, Human Communication Theory, Persuasion and the Introduction to Forensics Course.  In addition to teaching, I also serve as the Director of Forensics.  I've taught and directed forensics at Bradley University, Illinois State University and West Chester University.  As a forensics professional, I serve on the directing boards of both the American Forensics Association National Individual Events Tournament and the National Forensics Association.  In addition, I am part of the staff that runs both of these National Tournaments.  My research interests lie in the area where I spend most of my time and that is Forensics.   When I'm not traveling to a tournament, coaching students or teaching in the classroom, I'm traveling with my husband and young son to Illinois or Oklahoma to see family.  Although I've lived in about 6 different states in the United States, Wisconsin feels like home.

Soo Rhee, Ph.D., assistant professor

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I earned my Ph.D. in Mass Communication (2011) and Master’s in Advertising (2008) from the University of Florida. I got my B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations (2005) from Hanyang University, South Korea.

I teach advertising courses in the CJ department. In University of Florida, I have taught several advertising courses including Principles of Advertising, International Advertising, and Advertising Campaigns (Special Topic in Advertising). 

The reasons why I love being an academic researcher are, first, because I enjoy exploring my curiosity and, second, because I would like to contribute to the world of knowledge by creating theories that can explain unsolved issues in our society. My research interest is mainly focusing on analyzing cultural aspects and building a theory that defines cross-cultural relationships, especially by analyzing advertising. I have focused in projects including cross-cultural studies in advertising by making comparison of executional elements and appeals, cultural values reflected in the lifestyle of social networking site users, gender stereotypes in print advertising targeted toward pregnant women, and prototypes of luxury brand advertising.

When I am not working, I enjoy cooking, baking, watching movies, playing tennis, and running around the park with my husband and my son, Keithan.

Maureen Schriner, Ph.D., assistant professor

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Nicole Schultz, Ph.D., assistant professor

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I grew up in central Minnesota and I am excited to back in the upper Midwest after having earned my B.A. from Winona State University (2002), my M.A. from Minnesota State University, Mankato (2004), and my Ph.D. in Communication Studies and Women's Studies Graduate Certificate from Bowling Green State University (2007).

I teach primarily in the Organizational Communication Emphasis in the Department of Communication and Journalism (CJ) and am affiliate-faculty in the Women's Studies Program (WMNS). Courses I have taught at UW-Eau Claire include CJ/WMNS 111 (Gender, Race, & Class-The Social Construction of Identity (First-Year Experience Course)), CJ 202 (Fundamentals of Speech (Online & Face-to-Face)), CJ 300 (Research Methods), CJ 307/507 (Small Group Communication), CJ/WMNS 317 (Women in the Mass Media), CJ 350/550 (Training and Human Resource Development), CJ 387/497 (Academic/Advanced Academic Apprentice), CJ 499 (Independent Study), WMNS 433 (Women, Work, & Family Issues (Online)), and WMNS 496 (Women's Studies Capstone Faculty Advisor).

I have presented several conference papers at national and regional conferences, which have focused on work-life balance, gender in higher education, training and development, pedagogy, Generation NeXt, civic engagement, and technology in the classroom. I strive to employ feminist pedagogical methods in the classroom that promote active student involvement in the social construction of knowledge and student responsibility of critically engaging curriculum. Specific methods typically include in-class and out-of class opportunities for learning and culminate in presentations, written documents, and student-facilitated discussion.

I serve the discipline as a Reviewer for the Feminist and Women's Studies, Instructional Development, Basic Course, and Master's Education Divisions of the National Communication Association, and Reviewer for Communication Teacher and Speaker and Gavel.

When I'm not working, I enjoy grilling out, camping, playing board and card games, thrifting, and playing with Kima (la pooch)!

 

Judy Sims, professor

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I earned my Ph.D. (1990) from the University of Minnesota and my master’s degree (1984) from Humboldt State University.  I have been employed with the UW-Eau Claire since 1989. I teach Research Methods, Intercultural Communication and Fundamentals of Speech, although I also have taught Radio and Television Production Process, Performance for the Camera, An Introduction to the Mass Media, Interviewing, and Interpersonal Communication. As a graduate student at the University of Minnesota (1986-1989), I taught courses in radio and television production.  At Humboldt State University (1984-1986), I taught numerous radio courses and served as the Faculty Advisor for the campus radio station. My research interests include a longitudinal study of Greek radio broadcasting (1986-present), coverage of diverse populations in local TV news, children and television violence, political communication, organizational teams, deregulation of the radio broadcast industry, and consumer awareness of and predispositions toward high definition television. My research and writings have been published in the Journal of Radio Studies, The Basic Communication Course Annual,  The Journal of Wisconsin Communication Association, the Pennsylvania Speech Communication Annual,  the Journal of Communication Studies, Freedom of Speech, Teaching with Technology Today, Negotiating Democracy: Media Transformations and Political Practice in New and Emerging Democracies (in press), Facilitating Group Communication: Innovations and Applications with Natural Groups, Journalism History, Communication Education, and Feedback. My research has been presented at the scholarly conferences of organizations such as the Broadcast Education Association and the National Communication Association.  In 2003, I was honored with UW-Eau Claire’s “Excellence in Advising Award.” I serve on the Education Committee of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, am the faculty adviser for Kappa Tau Alpha, and the chair of WUEC-FM’s Advisory Board. I appreciate animals and enjoy traveling with my husband, gardening, sports and dear friendships.

David Tschida, Ph.D., assistant professor

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“I will never think about communication the same way again,” is a phrase I love to hear from my students. Perhaps it’s said because of an interesting example of public communication we were studying in class. Perhaps it is because of a critical theory we examined that opened my students’ eyes to the meaning in a communicated message.  Either way, I love it when my students are excited by their learning an eager to apply what they have learned to their professional and personal lives.

I teach primarily in the communication side of the CJ department. My teaching interests lie at the intersection of public communication, media studies, and critical cultural studies.  I teach courses such as persuasion, rhetoric of popular culture, communication analysis, and rhetoric and society.  My research focuses primarily on how we communication about environmental issues in public communication (e.g. a Supreme Court decision), in media studies (e.g. on the TV program Whale Wars) or in cultural studies (e.g. nature writing).  Secondary interests include the representation of gender and sexuality in the media and the ethical use of social media in public communication contexts.

I am a native of Minnesota. I earned a B.A. from St. Cloud State, an M.A. from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri.  I have taught at colleges and universities in Nebraska, Missouri, and Minnesota.  When I am not at UWEC, my wife and I enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing in state and national parks. We also enjoy growing vegetables in our garden, cooking, and of course, eating!  

Kelly Jo Wright, senior lecturer and
assistant director of UW-Eau Claire Forensics

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I earned my undergraduate degree in Education from The Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio and have an M.A. in Speech from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico. I taught and coached forensics at universities in New Mexico and Missouri before moving to Eau Claire in 1992. I teach public speaking, listening, and pop culture classes and spend nearly every weekend during the school year at a forensics tournament. My true passion lies in helping students meet the goals that they set, and sometimes convincing students that they can aim even higher! When I am not teaching or traveling with the forensics team, I enjoy sewing, jewelry making, and spoiling my fur-baby, Buffy.

Ganga Vadhavkar, Ph.D., assistant professor

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Adjuncts

Mary Beth Doud, lecturer

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Julie Eklund, lecturer

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Linda Pophal, lecturer

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I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology and social work from UW-Eau Claire and my M.A. in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. As an independent business journalist, writing as "Lin Grensing-Pophal," I have been widely published in a variety of trade, professional and consumer publications and am the author of several books - most recently The Essentials of Corporate Communications and Public Relations (Harvard Business School Press, 2006) and Marketing With the End in Mind (IABC, 2005). My hobbies include reading, designing jewelry, golfing, boating and biking.

Staff

Judy Gatlin, academic department associate

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Since 1992 my career at UW-Eau Claire has been focused on administrative support in a variety of student support offices. In fall 1999, I transferred to the department of communication and journalism where I support the chair and faculty in every academic and administrative responsibility necessary to manage an effective academic department. Working directly with students is truly inspiring for me and the very best part of my work. Beyond the daily visits and calls and emails from CJ students I respond to, I have the opportunity to interact with students assisting the Spectator advisor, advising the student organization CJO:Communication and Journalism Organization and supervising many, many student employees.

Ellen Hon, university services associate

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