Communication Studies gains prestige at national conference

By Kristina Kenney
University News Service
November 28, 2011

Texas State University-San Marcos Department of Communications Studies had several reasons to be proud at the National Communication Association’s 97th annual conference in New Orleans on Nov. 17-20.

The conference included thousands of communication students, professors and practitioners from around the world, and those representing Texas State accumulated a lengthy list of accomplishments. Steven Beebe, second vice president of the NCA executive committee and chair of the department of communication studies at Texas State, presided over the organization's legislative assembly, which included 180 elected members. Beebe also chaired a task force reviewing recommendations to enhance the governance of the NCA and served as keynote speaker at the deans’ breakfast.

In addition, 30 of the communication discipline’s newest doctorate graduates who attended the conference earned their master’s degree from the department of communication studies, and 11 of the Texas State professors in attendance made multiple presentations of peer-reviewed scholarship, receiving "Top Paper Awards."

Beebe’s recent election into the position as president of the NCA was also highlighted at a party hosted by the College of Fine Arts and Communication and the department of communication studies, which also honored alumni, faculty, and friends. The NCA panel also awarded the title “Top Basic Course Program” to the department of communication studies.

The NCA is the largest national organization dedicated to communication. Researchers, educators, and professionals, work to understand and better all forms of human communication through publications, resources, conferences, conventions, and services. The non-profit organization is composed of more than 8,000 educators, practitioners, and students who work and reside in every state and more than 20 countries.

For more information, contact Timothy Mottet at (512) 245-2308 or tm15@txstate.edu.