Kansas State University

Waiting in line at a local coffee shop in Aggieville, a barista can be heard asking each caffeine deprived soul whether their order is “for here or to go?”. It’s a necessary question for a person that is responsible for packaging a hot drink in an appropriate cup. Baristas know well that containers matter. In many ways, the 2015-2016 academic year for the Communication Studies Department (COMM) was an exercise in imagining, building, and nurturing the containers that allow a vibrant learning community to grow. Namely, we increased our faculty ranks to 14 full-time members, added a record number of new majors, and moved the entire department to the second and third floor of Nichols Hall. Continue reading “From the Department Head” →

When we ask our graduating seniors to reflect on their communication studies major, often we hear stories about the positive impact faculty have on students’ professional and personal development. A talented and diverse faculty is fundamental to academic success, and it is a primary goal of the communication studies 2025 strategic plan. This past year we were fortunate to hire three new assistant professors whose diverse expertise and backgrounds have greatly enhanced our faculty profile.

Soumia Bardhan
Assistant Professor and Director of Global Communication Initiatives

We welcome Soumia Bardhan to the communication studies faculty. Before joining the K-State family, Dr. Bardhan taught at Penn State. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in India, and completed her Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico. Continue reading “New Communication Studies Faculty” →

Communication Studies faculty and graduate teaching assistants are committed to helping our students reach their academic and professional potential through rigorous scholarship, a firm foundation in communication theory, and experiential learning. This past year, Dr. Sarah Riforgiate and Katrina Hanna both received awards for demonstrating excellence in teaching as well as a strong commitment to individual student development.

Katrina Hanna, a graduate student in Communication Studies, received the 2016 Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools, or MAGS, Excellence in Teaching Award at the Master’s level. The award recognizes graduate teaching assistants who have excelled in classroom teaching and student mentorship. Hanna was nominated for the MAGS award after winning Kansas State University’s Graduate Student Council Award for Graduate Student Teaching Excellence by a Master’s Student. Continue reading “Outstanding Teaching in Communication Studies” →

Along with working hard in the classroom, many students in communication studies are pursuing their interests by collaborating with faculty on research projects. Two students – Aaron Cunningham and Samantha Pratt – recently completed independent research projects andpresented their findings at conferences. Their experiences spotlight the department’s emphasis on high impact learning experiences, faculty-student mentorship, and undergraduate research.

Aaron Cunningham
Senior, Communication Studies
Area of research: Restorative Justice

Cunningham has been working with Gregory Paul, assistant professor in communication studies, in the area of restorative justice. Continue reading “Undergraduate Research” →

The Communication Studies Department was awarded a significant amount of new space in Nichols Hall. The department main office is now located in Nichols Hall 234. The space provides offices for 15 full time employees, over 20 graduate teaching assistants, student employees, and part-time employees. This includes team suites for the debate and forensics programs. Continue reading “Communication Studies Finds a New Home Within Nichols Hall” →