Our mission

The Department of Communication prepares students as leaders in their careers and communities by developing their understanding of communication theory and practice and research methodologies. The department seeks to cultivate student proficiency in oral and written communication as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills across various communication contexts.

We offer a curriculum, which provides students opportunities for personal, professional, and scholarly advancement. The skills offered by the Department of Communication are vital components in assisting individuals, corporations and communities to achieve their greatest potential.

The faculty strives for excellence within themselves and their students and seeks to foster an attitude of eager inquiry and service. In support of the University's mission, the faculty provides instruction in public speaking skills for all undergraduates. The Department of Communication has a history of excellence in teaching, research, and application. Our faculty is recognized as scholars in diverse areas within the communication discipline. We view communication as a major formative process in preparing our students to bring that excellence to corporations and communities around the country and the globe.

Department of Communication
Short-term Goals (1-3 years)
January 2005

1. Meet immediate instructional need for course offerings in public relations.

2. Review curriculum and develop a plan for future curricular needs to include consideration of acorporate emphasis.

3. Continue to support the core course while identifying additional resources allowing full-time facultyopportunities to teach additional upper level courses to serve our majors.

4. Additional full-time faculty positions to meet the needs of a growing number of majors, to supportthe current curriculum, and to have the resources to increase frequency of course offerings.

5. Build a strong alumni base.

6. Develop financial resources through networking, community partnerships and fund-raising.