By: Kiera Helm—
Muncie, IN— Karla Scott, director of African American studies at Saint Louis University, will present “Communication, Identity and Context: What We Bring to Dialogue Across Difference,” at 7 p.m. Monday, March 25, in Ball State University’s Art and Journalism Building, room 175.
Scott’s presentation—which is free and open to the public—will examine the process of human communication with a specific focus on social identity. The award-winning author and professor of commnication will share specific strategies to facilitate dialogue that addresses barriers and bridges divisions.
Kathy Denker, associate professor of Communication Studies, said Scott’s research deals with concepts and issues central to society. Scott has a way, Denker said, of inspiring professionals and scholars to better understand diverse perspectives.
“Dr. Karla Scott has a phenomenal history of exploring the intersection of communication, gender and race,” Denker said. “Her most recent text, ‘The Language of Strong Black Womanhood: Myths, Models, Messages, and a New Mandate for Self-Care,’ was thoughtful and nuanced, all while being accessible and engaging.”
Ball State graduate student Abigail Gibbs was among the students who helped draw Scott to campus during Ball State’s Centennial. Her presentation is among a series of high-profile events in March to highlight the reach and impact of the College of Communication, Information, and Media.
“I wanted Dr. Scott to come to Ball State because she has a plethora of knowledge to share regarding race, culture, diversity and black womanhood,” Gibbs added. “We can’t wait to learn from her and then continue the conversation in our classes and our lives.”
The National Communication Association’s African American Communication awarded Scott with the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language and Gender inducted Scott into the “Wise Women Panel” in recognition of service, scholarly contributions and mentoring.
More information about the event is on CCIM’s FB page. For more information about CCIM’s Centennial Spotlight Month events, visit bsu.edu/100.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State is one of Indiana’s signature universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s nearly 22,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world, and its 780-acre campus is large enough to accommodate premier facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports but small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University.
