Department of Communication and Media

Faculty Bios

"Teaching at UToledo has been very rewarding for me. The diversity of students and variety of backgrounds and experiences they bring to my classes make for a fantastic teaching/learning environment. The various perspectives allow students to learn from each other and add to their own interpretation of the world and communication. The classes I teach aid students in achieving their long-term goals, through raising awareness of their own and others’ communication behaviors. Teaching communication classes is gratifying, because effective communication skills are a necessity in any profession."

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Dee Drummond

 Senior Lecturer

 M. A.  Journalism, Michigan State University, 1997.
 B. A.   Communication, University of Toledo, 1987.

“As a former reporter and market researcher, I understand the skills needed for students to succeed in their chosen careers after graduation. Those industry standards are the backbone of my classes – with a focus on the ethical dilemmas inherent to the media. I regularly update my courses to reflect the changing media, so that students are learning information that is current, relevant, and applicable in the “real world.”

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Tasha Dunn, Ph.D.

 Associate Professor, Women's and Gender Studies Affiliate Faculty

 Ph.D. Communication Studies, Certificate in Women's and Gender Studies,   University of South Florida, 2015.
 M.A. Communication Studies, Eastern Illinois University, 2009.
 B.A.  Communication Studies and Theatre Arts, Concordia College, 2007.

"I thoroughly enjoy teaching and researching a broad, engaging, and constantly evolving subject that is so relatable. Communication, after all, is the human connection; its relevancy extends to every student’s experiences—a link I emphasize and strengthen in the classroom. I am deeply committed to merging communication theory with practice to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their personal and professional lives."

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Xianlin Jin, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Ph.D.  Communication with Graduate Certificate in Risk Sciences, University of Kentucky, 2021.
M.A. Communication Studies, Arizona State University, 2014.
B.A. Journalism, Tianjin Normal University, 2012.

Eleanor Kostecki

Senior Lecturer and Internship Coordinator

M.A.  Organizational Communication, Western Michigan University, 1999.
B.S. Social Work, Eastern Michigan University, 1978.

"I love teaching courses that allow students to be creative and chart their own path for personal and professional growth. I’m thrilled when students discover the answer to the question, 'Who am I?'  No matter what your major is, you will benefit from taking a Communication course. It’s the soft skills of interpersonal communication, presentations, and group work that make a difference in the workplace. Outstanding communication skills are what get you noticed, hired, and promoted." 

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Jackie Layng, Ed.D.

Professor

Ed.D.  Educational Technology, Northern Illinois University, 1996.
M.A.    Media Communication, Northern Illinois University, 1989.
B.S.     Radio/TV/Film, Northern Illinois University, 1987.

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Tisha Mays

Assistant Lecturer

M.A. Strategic Communication with Interactive Media, Bowling Green State University, 2019.
B.A.  Mass Media Radio/Television, University of Akron, 2005.

 

"It is such a wonderful feeling to have the opportunity to teach students about a field I am extremely passionate about. To be part of watching future broadcasters develop their own passion and become professionals is the most rewarding feeling. I am committed to our students because they want to be great, and I have the tools that can help them become marketable and successful."

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Ben Myers, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair

MBA  University of Toledo, 2021.
Ph.D. Speech Communication, Southern Illinois Carbondale, 2007.
M.A. Communication Studies, Bowling Green State University, 2003.
B.A. Communication and History, Bluffton University, 2002.

"I love teaching our UT students skills that are directly relevant to their professional success. Communication skills are one of the most sought-after skills in today’s workplace. The most rewarding part of my job is when students come to not only understand why communication is so important, but how to use what they have learned in the classroom in their work and relationships."

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Vamsi Chaitanya Pedasanaganti

Visiting Assistant Professor

Doctoral Candidate in Media and Communication, Bowling Green State University.

M.A. in Communication, University of Hyderabad, 2019.

B.Tech in Computer Science, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (Kakinada), 2014.

 

 

“I strongly believe that in the age of AI and digital media, when the ever-changing face of communication undergoes unexpected transformations, studying it becomes a core necessity to every single one of us. My goal is to cultivate media literacy, empowering students to become ethical, skilled communicators, journalists, and media producers, while also developing their ability to critically consume information. I constantly incorporate educational material from the training I received at the BBC given by London-based veteran journalists. My experience as a journalist and a fact-checker hardened my commitment to media literacy even more. I love witnessing my former students thrive in their chosen passions and pursuits.”

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Fatima Shousher Simon

Senior Lecturer

M.A. Mass Communication with a specialty in Public Relations, Bowling Green State University, 1997.
B.A. Communication with Public Relations concentration, University of Toledo, 1996.

 

 

 

"I love teaching Communication classes because everyone can find value in them. Our students learn a range of skills that will open many doors when they graduate. They are able to learn hands-on skills through our courses that will fully prepare them for the workforce once they graduate. Hearing how our students use our skills in their careers once they graduate is a wonderful reward of teaching for me."

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Sumitra Srinivasan, Ph.D.

Associate Professor 

Ph.D.  Communication with Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology, Georgia State University, 2006.
M.S.  Television-Radio-Film, Newhouse School of Public Communication, Syracuse University, 2001.
M.A.  Communication, The University of Madras, 2000.
B.Sc.  Physics with Applied Electronics,  The University of Madras, 1998.

"Communication is an important discipline as it is an integral part of many things we do, both personally and professionally, in today's global landscape. This exciting field is continually evolving with cutting-edge technologies and novel information flows; I immensely enjoy teaching the subject to as well as learning from UToledo students. Witnessing my classes explore variegated communication skills and unleash their creativity across media platforms -- whether it is writing news stories, designing websites, or creating social media content -- is very rewarding and a lot of fun."

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"I enjoy teaching in communication because I enjoy the applied aspect of the content. I enjoy helping students engage with the material and appreciate the subject matter as it directly relates to their own lives and the lives of those around them. The practice of public relations and strategies communication is constantly changing so I have the opportunity to learn and grow along with my students."