Communication faculty at the Lowcountry Graduate Center in 2007 (left to right):  Brian McGee, Greg Schmitt, Chris Lamb, Kirk Stone, Jenifer Kopfman, Michael Reardon, Elena Strauman, Amanda Ruth-McSwain, Celeste Lacroix, Beth Goodier, Merissa Ferrara, Julie Davis, Vince Benigni, Monika Alston, Robert Westerfelhaus, Deborah McGee, Doug Ferguson, Kathleen DeHaan, Anne Fox, Tom Heeney, Tom Martin

The Department of Communication takes great pride in having a strong faculty with diverse interest areas and documented expertise. The department has 23 full time faculty and a number of outstanding adjunct professors to teach a comprehensive array of courses among the three concentrations.

Unlike many larger universities, which rely heavily on graduate assistants and outside instruction, most Communication courses are taught by full-time professors. The faculty mission is to offer guidance within the classroom, and serve as a mentor for individual students. That mentoring component carries over into advising; each faculty member is assigned a group of advisees within the teacher’s specific interest area/concentration. Research is also highly valued, and several of the department’s professors have developed rigorous scholarly agendas in regional and national publications. Several faculty members have published notable books, both of the academic and mainstream variety.

Departmental and campus-wide service is expected of all faculty members. Communication professors are ranking members on Faculty Senate, campus curriculum committees, athletic boards, and faculty welfare. They advise student groups ranging from the Golden Key and Lambda Pi Eta honor societies, to the Public Relations Student Society of America and Communication Club.

Most importantly, department professors value the liberal arts mission of the College. The atmosphere among faculty and students is highly collegial. The lectures are often spirited, and the students are the number-one priority.