Monday, December 13, 2010
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Shawn Long
by Logan Justice and Daniel Bonilla
In this issue Dr. Shawn Long, Chair for the Department of Communication Studies, is in the faculty spotlight.
What is your current job role at UNC Charlotte?
I am the Chair for the Department of Communication Studies and I am an Associate Professor in Organizational Communication.
Tell me a bit about yourself before you became a professor.
I grew up in Harlan KY, a small rural community in Southeastern Kentucky, TN State - UG & Master in Public Administration.
Why did you decide to become a professor?
While attending TN State as a grad assistant in the Honors Program, I was asked to substitute for a professor who was traveling to a conference. I was charged with creating an entire session for that particular course, Intercultural Communication. It was this experience where I “caught the teaching bug” and decided that I enjoyed the art and practice of teaching.
What advice do you have for graduate students on how to get the most out of graduate school (to succeed in graduate school)?
1. Take advantage of courses that centrally interests them as well as courses that will provide them with skills that are transferrable beyond their matriculation.
2. Be a part of any grant projects, if possible, to understand the nuances of grant work. This is quite valuable in that you may be expected to fund your research.
3. Continue or start reading trade publications and newspapers about issues organizations are currently struggling with. Avoid the ivory tower mind set by engaging in problems and circumstances facing organizations on a daily basis.
4. Be nimble and open in understanding organizational issues. This is where the interdisciplinary training will really come in hand.
What do you most like about being part of the OS program?
Exciting Leadership – Steven Rogelberg has done a phenomenal job at molding the program into what is becoming not just a local but, a national player in many regards. His excitement is contagious.
The outstanding and authentically dedicated faculty working in OS. I really enjoy hanging out with them interpersonally and we get to discuss neat and interesting projects as a by-product of our continuous engagement.
The students- We have some of the best graduate students around. I have found “their level of maturity extraordinary and they care deeply about this program.” Although the program is extremely competitive to get into and requires an extreme amount of focus and dedication, OS is such a highly humane graduate program for students and faculty.
The concern faculty have in student success makes the program such a benchmark. OS is a good academic neighbor and academic citizen. Additionally, the research OS Faculty are fascinating, contemporary and just cool.
What is the coolest project that you are currently working on?
I am very excited about my scholarship on virtual work. I just published a book on communication, relationships and practices in virtual work and recently received a contract for my next book on virtual work research methodologies. Finally, I am super excited about my continuous work with OS students, particularly with Sharon Doerer on examining diversity communication on corporate websites.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment