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Biography

Hi all! I'm Grace. I'm a born and bred western North Carolina native, who has enjoyed living in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains my entire life.<br><br>I graduated from Tri-County Early College in 2011 with my A.A. in college transfer. In 2014, I earned a B.A. in mass communication from the University of North Carolina - Asheville, and in May 2019 I completed my M.A. in communication and leadership studies through Gonzaga University (#GoZags!). In May 2023, I completed my doctorate in Educational Leadership through Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ.<br><br>I spent 7 years in the community college system, where I worked as both a staff member (Director of Communication/Marketing) and a faculty member (primarily teaching Public Speaking). I loved working for the community college system, but I was ready for a new adventure that focused solely on the place where I felt the most joy: the classroom. I am very excited that this desire has brought me to WCU.

Education

• EDD, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ
• MA, Gonzaga University

Teaching Interests

Media literacy and dialogic communication are my primary areas of interest, especially given the current climate around the media, facts, and journalism. I've loved communication for a long time, dating back to my high school days. I've always felt driven to understand why, how, and when we choose to communicate with others.

Research Interests

I have a passionate interest in the intersection of communication and education, specifically through the lens of equity and social justice. I research belongingness and community for marginalized students, particularly in the communication classroom setting.