As a native Minnesotan, I belong at BSU. I grew up in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis (Blaine) and have family throughout the state (Duluth, Pelican Rapids, Fargo-Moorhead, Minneapolis). I’m proud to say that I come from one of the “healthiest states” (Forbes had us in the top-four in 2024), and love the outdoor opportunities available in the Bemidji area. I wasn’t sure what I would be doing for my career when I was an undergraduate. In fact, I didn’t realize my “calling” (as a teacher) until the end of my junior year! I loved being a generalist and enjoyed studying a little bit of everything. If you are uncertain about where life will take you, I know we’ll get along!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am a Professor of Communication Studies at Bemidji State University. I am honored to work with amazing colleagues in the Sunderman College of Creativity, Enterprise, & Place; in fact, all of my colleagues at BSU are pretty awesome. My path started at a Minnesota State Community College (“Go Rams”), continued at a four-year college in Minnesota, and resulted in a career. Since that time, my job has taken me to 46 of 50 states (I’ll let you guess the four I’ve missed) and 10 countries outside the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I completed my Doctoral degree in Nebraska where I studied Applied Communication, Instructional Communication, and Language & Culture. My passion for research and teaching is centered on Communication Apprehension. I’m best known for my work using Virtual Reality as a tool to overcome stage fright and speech anxiety. My research has been featured on National Public Radio, NTV News, KHAS Local 4, the EAB “Education Advisory Board” Website, and at the Minnesota State Day at the Capital. My work has been published in The Forensic and in Speaker and Gavel; I’ve also edited and\/or provided chapters for five books (one will come out in 2027). I have received two “Faculty Achievement Awards” for teaching excellence. I was recognized (twice) with the Lambda Pi Eta Outstanding Advisor Award at NCA. I’ve given more than 40 academic presentations at national, regional, and state conferences and have sponsored 35 undergraduate research projects including several “Top-Papers” at the National Communication Association conference. I proudly serve as Co-advisor for the Communication Studies Scholars Society (CSS) at BSU. I also advise Alpha Zeta Chi—the BSU Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta—our national Communication Studies Honorary group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My students have said that I’m caring, knowledgeable, and highly skilled at both face-to-face and online teaching. I enjoy time with family and engage in a ton of outdoor activities. I love BSU and learn something new each day about the awesome events and amazing people on our campus! My experiences have proven that our students are authentic, energetic, and enthusiastic. I’m thrilled to serve as a professor at Bemidji State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n