Bio
Courses
- COMST 3100: Intercultural Communication
- COMST 3130: Leadership Communication Theories
Teaching
I believe in challenging students to give their very best. Just as we expect our athletes to “leave it all on the field” or “leave it all on the court,” so too do I encourage students to give their best efforts in their academics. However, although learning requires effort, I believe that learning should be intriguing and fun. Often I bring in stories from my years of serving in for-profit and nonprofit organizations across the country. One of my students’ favorite activities is to hear my personal stories that connect to the subject matter at hand. I have worked in jobs that range from DJ to bank teller, and from head custodian to pastor. I have communication examples from these fields and many more. Students can easily relate to the personal stories and examples that connect to the concepts we are covering.
I strive to maintain student interest by having variety in teaching methodologies. Different class sessions have different structures. By working for variety across class periods, students are kept more actively focused on their learning. My use of student participation across a broad spectrum of learning activities helps students absorb and apply the concepts and theories we are covering. If you like predictability and the same thing every day, my classes may not resonate with you. However, if you believe learning should be an adventure and you truly want to enjoy your adventure at Iowa State, my class may be just the right place.
Research
I am a communication scholar and practitioner who has studied and taught communication as it is embodied in many realms – from interpersonal, group, organizational and intercultural communication (Communication Studies) to rhetoric and public speaking (Speech Communication) to telecommunications and film (Mass Communication). My interests in the communication discipline are broad-ranging and ever-expanding. However, I have special interests in: a.) creative communication and communicating creatively (if something is worth saying, it’s worth saying in a way that garners both attention and retention), b.) communication of leaders (whether non-profit, for profit or public service), and c.) the intersection between communication and popular culture (especially in film, television, popular music and the broad entertainment industry, including my personal favorite, theme parks).
Selected Publications
Bowling Green State University Dissertation: “Framing and Rhetoric: An Analysis of the Senate Debate on the Communications Decency Act of 1995”
Concordia Theological Seminary Thesis: “The Rhetoric of Recusancy: An Analysis of Edmund Campion’s Communication”
Concordia University Senior Thesis: “Communication Rituals in the Realm of Rock & Roll”
Upcoming Presentation
“Communicating the Uncomfortable Comfortably: Dealing with Difficult Conversations in the Life of a College Student”
Iowa State University + November 10, 2025
Sponsored by ISU Communication Studies Club
Recent Presentations
“Communicating the Uncomfortable Comfortably”
[Dealing with Difficult Conversations in Early Childhood Work] + Breakout sectional
Iowa District Early Childhood Conference, Des Moines + August 8, 2025
“Coping with Conflict Constructively”
Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Conference Center
International Network of Children’s Ministry conference
January 7, 2025 + Breakout sectional
Personal
I am a certified strategic planner. I have training and experience in communication consulting. I am an entrepreneur whose traveling DJ business The TMT Music Machine traveled across my home state of North Dakota for a number of years playing record hops at high schools, weddings, colleges, city auditoriums and other venues. I also have experience as an on-air radio DJ.
I love B & B (beaches and books), M & M (movies, mochas) and R & R (running, rock music). I try to find the joy in every single day, for although life throws curveballs our way, there are always plenty of good things calling forth gratitude. I love Iowa State and bleed cardinal and gold. My youngest son, who earned his bachelor degree in chemistry at ISU, passed away while a PhD student and graduate assistant in our chemistry department. His resiliency in pushing through life’s challenges has inspired me to give my very best as well. Most of all, my faith is a big part of my life. I love the people in the congregation I serve and am so blessed to have the opportunity to know them and work with them.