Krista Kimmel has been teaching at EKU since 2005 and is the 2015 recipient of EKU’s Outstanding Instructor award. She is dedicated to facilitating student success and appreciates the classroom diversity that accompanies online learning.Read More

Communication studies as a degree is often misunderstood. It is easy to look at other professions like nursing, journalism, education or accounting and know exactly what your career is going to entail. It comes as no surprise to us that we often hear questions like, “Communication Studies? What is that even?” Communication studies faculty also...Read More

Psychological safety can be defined as the “belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes.” Clearly, no one sets out to appear incompetent in the eyes of their boss or co-workers. As a result, workers often avoid asking questions, voicing concerns, admitting to weaknesses, or...Read More

The topic of first impressions is explored extensively in communication studies courses, such as business and professional speaking or interpersonal communication. Research suggests that impressions of others are formed within the first seven seconds of an interaction. This means that before we utter the first words of a presentation or conversation, we are already being...Read More

Sarah Kelly graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. Sarah is currently a student services program coordinator for the University of Louisville. She completed her bachelor’s degree online and recently shared her thoughts about her EKU Online experience.Read More

A veteran and multiple award-winning EKU instructor for more than 15 years, John Strada believes in accessibility and taking an active part in his student’s educational experience. Strada goes above and beyond to ensure his online students have just as much opportunity to interact and build a relationship with him as their on-campus counterparts. Strada’s...Read More

Many social science undergraduate students are required to take a courses in research methods and/or statistics. This is most likely the most dreaded class among students.Read More

Dr. Jennifer Fairchild, a professor in the School of Communication at EKU, received two awards at the Kentucky Communication Association (KCA) annual conference in September 2021. Fairchild received the Excellence in the Art of Teaching Award, which recognizes pedagogy and curriculum development as well as an educator who is devoted to bettering students and assisting...Read More

An effective communicator is able to resolve conflict, sell products and services to the public, maintain strong relationships with clients, customers, and investors, and make sure everyone is operating on the same page. Employers increasingly list communication skills as the heart of advancement, promotion, and leadership opportunities.Read More

Employers recognize that competent communication skills are the heart of advancement, promotion, and leadership opportunities. According to a 2017 article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, employers and administrators report that competent communication skills are one of the top three skills graduates need to succeed. The Association of American Colleges and Universities reported in 2015...Read More