Rachel Pokora

Faculty/Staff profile

Professor of Communication

Phone:

(402) 465-2391

Email:

rpokora@nebrwesleyan.edu

Office:

Smith-Curtis 330E

Office hours:

2010-2011 Academic Year: On Sabbatical

Background:

I am originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan; I visit often to spend time with family, friends and the forests and lakes of the state. Part of my heart now belongs to Nebraska, though.

I switched my major to Communication during my first year of college and I have been fascinated by Communication and how it builds and sustains relationships and systems ever since.

I moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1996 to begin my job at Nebraska Wesleyan University. The atmosphere of NWU was an instant fit for me. I love that I can't walk across campus without seeing someone I know. Working with NWU students is energizing; I find them bright and engaged.

Education:

BA: Michigan State University 1990
Major: Communication

MA: Purdue University 1993
Major: Interpersonal Communication
Minor: Family Studies

Ph.D.: Purdue University 1996
Major: Organizational Communication
Minors: Interpersonal Communication, Religious Studies

Teaching philosophy:

Students learn best when they actively engage course material. I like to use stories, examples and activities that help students apply information to their own lives.

Courses taught:

Comm 001: Fundamentals of Speech
Comm 130: Communication Theory
Comm 190: Experiencing the Culture of Florence (study abroad in Italy)
Comm 210: Organizational Communication
Comm 250: Communication and Gender
Comm 280: Communication in Contemporary Society

Research and academic interests:

Dialogue
Organizational spirituality
Church reform

Service interests:

Call To Action
Call To Action Nebraska
Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty
Nebraskans For Peace

Professional and community affiliations, certifications and awards:

National Communication Association
Phi Kappa Phi Honorary
United Methodist Church Exemplary Teacher Award, 2000-2001