Profile
I find beauty in the written and spoken word and strive to help others ethically communicate vision and passion in their pursuits. I am committed to improving the quality of discourse in today’s world, having published a textbook on cogent argumentation, and believe in the power of human industry to provide insight and eloquence.
Download a PDF of my resume or CV
Experience
Having spent many years in the classroom, I know how to adapt to audiences and consider practical applications of material.
Through this work, I’ve gained valuable experience crafting public messages, including lectures, op-eds, and campaigns.
Education
As an undergraduate member of the debate team, I discovered my passion for studying the power of persuasion.
I studied public relations and marketing for my BA before earning my MA and PhD in the art of rhetoric.
Expertise
Having studied rhetoric for more than 20 years, I know how communication functions persuasively on audiences.
I bring expertise related to communication strategy in a variety of contexts, including marketing and public relations as well as politics and social change.
Education
PhD, Communication Arts (2008)
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Emphasis: Rhetoric
MA, Communication (2003)
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Emphasis: Rhetoric
BA, Communication (2001)
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Emphasis: Organizational & Public Relations │ Minors: Marketing & Spanish
Skills
1
Public Speaking & Debate
25+ years
2
Rhetoric, Persuasion, & Storytelling
20+ years
3
Teaching & Coaching Strategies
20+ years
4
Research & Writing
20+ years
5
Microsoft Office & Publisher
20+ years
6
Project Management
10+ years
7
Proofreading & Copyediting
10+ years
8
Google Suite
10+ years
9
Adobe Creative Cloud (Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Premiere Rush)
3-5 years
10
Google Certificate in Digital Marketing (SEO, SEM) & E-Commerce
July 2025
Previous Employment
Professor & Chair, Rhetoric (2012 – 2025)
Wabash College, Crawfordsville, IN
Rhetoric Department
- Taught three classes each semester to help students improve communication, advocacy, & critical thinking skills through classes such as Argumentation & Debate, Reasoning & Advocacy, and Strategic Communication
- Published 3 peer-reviewed books and numerous articles and book chapters
- Managed calendars, events, meetings, budgets, personnel, & reports as Department Chair (2014-2015 & 2022-2025) and First Year Experience Co-Chair (2021-2023)
- Executed annual events, including the Marketing Immersion Program (2015-2019) and Moot Court competition (2019-2024)
- Worked with student interns to generate a campus-wide campaign promoting pro-social behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020)
- Advised students and served on numerous standing committees
Assistant Professor (2008 – 2012)
Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI
Communication & Dramatic Arts Department
- Taught three classes each semester to help students improve communication, advocacy, & critical thinking skills through classes such as Introduction to Debate, Persuasion & Social Influence, and Rhetorical Criticism
- Member of numerous department & college committees
- Helped organize campus forums to discuss current events as part of Speak Up, Speak Out organizing committee
- Worked with first-year students in the Leadership Institute to improve public speaking and debate skills
Instructor (2009)
The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
Communication Arts & Sciences Department
- Taught one section of public speaking during the summer term
Instructor & Graduate Assistant (2003 – 2008)
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Communication Arts Department
- Taught one class or two to three discussions sections each semester in a variety of courses
Instructor & Graduate Assistant (2001 – 2003)
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Communication Department
- Taught two sections each semester in a variety of courses
Marketing Intern (Summer 2001; Summer 2002)
Grant Park Music Festival, Chicago, IL
- Coordinated marketing and promotional efforts in a team-based environment
- Assisted with customer service of patrons and visiting artists at concert events
- Designed, implemented, and analyzed survey research of patrons
Public Relations Intern (Summer 2000)
Nathan PR, Chicago, IL
- Assisted with a variety of public relations tasks, including press releases and media relations
Customer Service Rep. (1995 – 2001; 2004 – 2006)
Factory Card Outlet, IL/WI
