our Faculty
Dr. Theresa Castor, Interim Vice Provost for Academic Affairs; Professor – Communication
A graduate degree in Professional Communication is an important achievement in showing the excellence in communication you've achieved to have a positive impact within your relationships, your organization, and your community.
Degrees Held:
- Ph.D. – University of Washington, 1999
- M.A. – University of California-Davis, 1993
- BAS (Bachelor of Arts & Science) – University of California-Davis, 1991
Career Highlights:
Received a National Science Foundation planning grant to study essential decision-making skills in 'smart manufacturing'; recipient of a C-SPAN Education Foundation grant; department chair for six years; author of the book, "Climate Risks as Organizational Problems"; co-editor of the book, "Water, Rhetoric and Social Justice"; board member of the International Association for Dialogue Analysis; former board member of the International Communication Association; editorial review board member for the international journal, Management Communication Quarterly; received four international awards for conference papers; recipient of UW-Parkside's Community-Engaged Learning and Research award.
What do you want your students to take away from class?
I would like for my students to develop critical thinking and ethical analytical skills for understanding organizational communication and how to practice reflective decision-making skills in their organizations.
Why did you start teaching?
I have a passion for studying communication and how communication theory helps us to understand the actions of organizations. I would like for my students to be empowered in understanding their own organizations and the implications of choices made in their organizations.
What advice would you give to your future online students?
It is important to stay connected with the class in terms of the course material, with the instructor, and your peers. As individuals with busy, multi-faceted lives, it is important to carve out time for yourself to be able to focus on what you are studying and to carve out time for personal well-being.
What is the value of a higher degree in the field in which you teach?
A graduate degree in Professional Communication is an important achievement in showing the excellence in communication you've achieved to have a positive impact within your relationships, your organization, and your community.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
“A Wrinkle in Time”
What do you do when you need a laugh?
I talk with my family, about anything.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know.
I lived in Scotland for a summer.
Request More Information
Request Information
Submit this form, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions.