Steve Boyd, Ph.D.
Professor, Speech Communication

For the past 28 years, Dr. Boyd has been on the faculty of Northern Kentucky University in Speech Communication. In 1984, he was the recipient of the university-wide Outstanding Professor of the Year Award. He served as coordinator of the Speech Communication area from 1977 until 1990. Dr. Boyd has recently published a public speaking text with his son, Professor Josh Boyd. Dr. Boyd is one of the region's most respected consultants.

Dr. Boyd received his B.A. in Speech Communication from David Lipscomb College in 1966, his M.S. in Speech Communication from Pittsburgh State University in 1967, and his Ph.D. in Speech Communication from the University of Illinois in 1972.

web site: http://www.sboyd.com/
email: boyd@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-5429
 

Mary Carmen Cupito
Assistant Professor, Journalism

Mary has been a reporter at the Cincinnati Post, The St. Petersburg Times and The Columbus Dispatch. She has also worked as a freelance writer in public relations and for commercial web sites, and she is co-author of "The Writer's Market Companion." She has taught journalism courses since 1988, first at Ohio State University and then at NKU.

web site: http://www.nku.edu/~cupito/
email: cupito@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-5975
 

Wendy Falato
Assistant Professor, Speech Communication

Professor Falato joined the NKU Speech Communication faculty in 2003 from Penn State University. She specializes in Interpersonal and Relational Communication with a research focus on communication concerning sex and sexuality. These efforts have led to publication in refereed journals and presentation of papers at regional, national, and international conferences.
Additionally, her work has been applied to help aid HIV prevention and intervention efforts in the community. She also serves as a reviewer for the interdisciplinary journal Personal Relationships. Wendy teaches classes in Communication Theory, Small Group Communication, and Persuasion.

Professor Falato received her B.A. in Communication Studies from Rowan University in 1997, her M.A. in Speech Communication from The Pennsylvania State University in 1999, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Communication Arts and Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University.

email: falatow@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-6614

Zachary Hart, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Speech Communication

Dr. Hart joined the Speech Communication faculty at NKU in 2003. His primary area of specialization is Organizational Communication, but he also is interested in Small Group and Interpersonal Communication. His research focuses on the nature and impact of messages communicated to newcomers during organizational socialization. He also studies how communication contributes to the development of workplace relationships.

Dr. Hart received his B.A. in Mass Communication from Western Illinois University in 1988, his M.S. in Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1989, and his Ph.D. in Organizational Communication from Michigan State University in 2000. He previously taught at Concordia University in River Forest, IL and worked for the public relations/marketing department of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

email: hartz@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-5573

Joe Hoffert
Instructor, Journalism

Joe began teaching at Northern Kentucky University in 2001, and currently provides instruction in Advertising, Mass Communication and Photojournalism. He received much of his professional experience in the role of an entrepreneur: as co-owner of a photographic studio, an advertising/public relations company and a publishing firm. Joe's communication degrees are from Northern Kentucky University and the University of Cincinnati.

email: hoffertj@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-6903
  

Sam Lapin
Coordinator of Grant County Center; Speech Communication Faculty

Sam Lapin grew up just outside of Chicago, and he has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Illinois State University. His MS is in Speech Communication with an emphasis in Interpersonal Communication. He has been teaching for NKU since 1995. He served one year as Director of Forensics, and currently coordinates NKU’s Grant County Program. He has also taught for Lincoln College in Normal, IL, Christian Brothers University in Memphis, and University of Cincinnati’s Clermont College. Sam is a qualified user of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. He uses the MBTI to lead workshops in Couple’s Communication, Teaching & Learning Styles, and Work Group Communication Improvement. He is also a Minister for the Universal Life Church and enjoys conducting
wedding ceremonies. Additionally, Sam has several years experience doing Public Relations and Development for Senior Services and United Way. He lives in Burlington, KY with his wife, daughter, and son.
Among Sam’s aspirations are being a contestant on Jeopardy!, flying in a blimp, and holding public office.

email: lapin@nku.edu
phone: 859-824-9531
  

Russ Proctor, Ph.D.
Professor; Coordinator of Speech Communication

Dr. Proctor has been a member of the Speech Communication faculty since 1991. He primarily teaches courses in Interpersonal Communication (basic and advanced), Small Group Communication, and Interviewing. He won the university's Outstanding Professor Award in 1997. He is the author of articles and textbooks focusing on interpersonal communication and communication education. He serves as coordinator of the Speech Communication program and advisor to the Speech Communication Club.

Dr. Proctor received his B.A. in Communication Arts at Oakland University in 1977, his M.A. in Communication Studies from Northern Illinois University in 1984, and his Ph.D. in Interpersonal Communication from Bowling Green State University in 1991.

email: proctorr@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-6489
 

Gaut Ragsdale, Ph.D.
Department Chair; Professor, Speech Communication

Dr. Ragsdale has taught Speech Communication at NKU since 1987. Prior to becoming Interim Chair of the department, he taught Organizational Communication and directed the Speech Communication internship program. In addition to his duties as chair, he now teaches a graduate course in Business Communication. His research interests include organizational governance and public argument. In addition, he is a registered parliamentarian and past President of the University's Faculty Senate.

web site: http://www.nku.edu/~ragsdale/
email: ragsdale@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-6136
 

Vicki Abney Ragsdale
Lecturer, Speech Communication; Coordinator, Speech Lab

A speech pathologist by training, Professor Ragsdale has served as Coordinator of the department's Speech Lab. She is responsible for Speech Competency Testing and she teaches a special section of Speech 101 for speech apprehensive students. As coordinator, she provides tutoring for students in NKU's basic public speaking course, tutoring for students in advanced public speaking, and English tutoring for international students. Furthermore, she provides articulation therapy and voice consultations and referrals. Professor Ragsdale also teaches Interpersonal Communication.

Vicki received her B.S. Ed. in Speech-Language Pathology in 1969 from the University of Georgia, and her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee in 1971.

Speech Lab: http://www.nku.edu/%7Espeechlab/

email: ragsdalev@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-6341
 

Wendy Rose
Instructor, Speech Communication

Wendy Rose joined the Faculty of Communication in the Fall of 2002. With over 25 years work experience in corporate communications and advertising and public relations environments, Wendy brings extensive expertise in communication strategy, public speaking, issues management and professional writing.

Wendy has been interviewed by media worldwide, worked closely with all levels of government on policy development, and served as a strategic consultant to corporate and non-profit organizations. She has her Masters in Business Administration from the University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

email: rosewe@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-6917

Brad Scharlott, Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Coordinator of Journalism

Dr. Scharlott has taught in Journalism at NKU since 1991. He teaches journalism and mass communication courses. His research focus is on the relationship between communication technology and society. Additionally, he serves the department by directing the Journalism Lab.

email: scharlott@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-5645
 

Cady Short-Thompson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Speech Communication; Coordinator of Public Relations

Dr. Short-Thompson has been a member of the Speech Communication faculty at NKU since 1996. Her primary areas of specialization are Political Communication, Persuasion, Gendered Communication, and Rhetorical Criticism. Political campaign communication research has been her major focus, including longitudinal, survey research conducted prior to the New Hampshire Primary each presidential election year, as well as in-depth analyses of women candidates' campaign communication at all levels of elective politics.

Dr. Short-Thompson received her B.A. in Communication from the University of Cincinnati in 1991, her M.A. in Communication also from the University of Cincinnati in 1992, and her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies also from the University of Cincinnati in 1997.

email: shortthomp@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-6316
 

Karen Slawter
Lecturer, Speech Communication; Course Coordinator for SPE 101

Professor Slawter teaches Speech 101 and coordinates the Speech 101 program. We offer as many as 60 sections of Speech 101 per term. She hires, trains and supervises the many instructors of this course.

email: slawter@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-5428
 

Chris Strobel
Assistant Professor, Radio/Television

Chris Strobel has been involved with video and film production since his high school days. Professionally he has directed and produced many local market entertainment programs, newscasts, commercials and public service announcements. He created and produced a weekly educational children's show for WTWO-TV before turning to graduate school.

After completing his degree Chris started his small film and video production company, Good Morning Egg Productions, with clients ranging from mom-and-pop shops to companies like America Online. Along with GME he has edited five independent feature films and has written, directed and edited several short videos and films.

Chris was an instructor and Department Chair for Southern Ohio College's Audio/Video Production department before coming to NKU in the fall of 2002. He received his B.S. in Radio-TV-Film with an emphasis in theatre from Indiana State University in 1990, and his M.A. with Distinction in Film and Video from The American University in 1996.

email: strobelc@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-1426

Penelope Summers, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Journalism

Dr. Summers has taught in Journalism at NKU since 1982. She is a former newspaper reporter and editor, radio reporter and news documentary producer, television public affairs writer and associate television producer, and she has worked professionally in advertising and public relations. She is active in the International Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications and currently serves as head of the Law Division for that organization. With a background in psychology and law, Dr. Summers research interests include human information processing and First Amendment law.

"The First Amendment is too important to leave only to the lawyers to understand."

email: summerspb@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-5430
 

Ann Taylor, Ph.D.
Lecturer; Speech Communication, Womens Studies and Radio-Television

Dr. Ann Taylor has taught at NKU since the fall of 1998. Her primary teaching areas are Speech Communication and Race, Gender and Mass Media. She also teaches a Women's Studies course, Global Women's Roles: Literature and Film. She is a contributor to Developing Adult Learners (2000, Jossey-Bass), which received the 2001 Philip E. Frandson award. The award recognizes "excellence in achievement in literature on the theory or practice of continuing higher education."

web site: http://www.nku.edu/~taylorann/
email: taylorann@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-5974
 

David Thomson
Associate Professor, Radio-Television

Since 1983, Professor Thomson has taught courses in Radio-Television at NKU. In addition, he supervises the internship program for the Radio-Television division and does free-lance narration and voice-over work. Dave chairs and directs the annual NKU Commencement which has traditionally included four separate ceremonies for the last decade. Professor Thomson has also served as the Acting Department Chairperson from 1992 - 1994.

email: thomsond@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-5435

 

Michael Turney, Ph.D.
Professor, Journalism

Dr. Turney's two tenures at NKU were more than a decade apart but now total more than 18 years. He currently teaches Contemporary Mass Media, communication law, public relations, feature writing and special topics seminars. He is active in the International Association of Business Communicators at both the local and the international levels and does consulting for museums, government and non-profit human services agencies.

Dr. Turney received his B.A. in Political Science from Saint Procopius College in Lisle, Illinois, his M.A. in Journalism from the University of Iowa's School of Journalism, and his Ph.D. in Mass Communication. Dr. Turney is also a ABC - Accredited Business Communicator, International Association of Business Communicators.

web site: http://www.nku.edu/~turney/
email: turney@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-6394
 

Pam Tyahur
Instructor, Speech Communication

Professor Tyahur has taught in the Communication Department since 1989. She attained her Masters degree right here at NKU. Pam has taught classes and workshops for various departments, including Literature and Language, Learning Assistance Center, and the Women's Center. Her classes and workshops include: Racism and Sexism Workshops, Developmental Reading, Study Skills, Developmental English, Critical Thinking, Composition, Advanced Writing, and Literature Courses. Currently, she spends her time teaching Speech 101 and Popular Culture courses for the Communication and Radio/Television programs. In addition to being active in Popular Culture of the South American Culture Association (PCS/ACA) and Kentucky Philological Association (KPA), Pam spends her spare time working with The Norators, NKU's competitive scholarly team.

email: tyahur@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-1329
 

Steven Weiss, Ph.D.
Professor, Speech Communication

Dr. Weiss served as Department Chair from 1994-1998. He is a rhetorical studies scholar who teaches courses in Communication Theories, Argumentation and Debate and Rhetorical Criticism. He has recently introduced several web-based courses and will serve as President of the Faculty Senate beginning in the 2002-2003 academic year.

web site: http://www.nku.edu/~weiss/
email: weiss@nku.edu
phone: 859-572-6612