Department of Communication Faculty & Staff

Aaron Atkins, Assistant Professor

Aaron Atkins, Ph.D., specializes in Digital Media and Journalism. He earned his doctorate from Ohio University's Scripps School of Journalism and a master’s degree in communication from Virginia Tech. He is also the faculty advisor for Weber State’s media production student organization, Studio 76.

In addition to his academic achievements, Atkins serves as chair for the AEJMC Community Journalism Interest Group.

Atkins’ work focuses on the study and integration of technology in education, journalism and various contexts. He also leads study abroad experiences to various parts of the world to explore aspects of intercultural communication and media.

His research interests include emerging media and media effects, community journalism, digital media and journalism history. Aside from work, Atkins enjoys a good adventure.

Anne Bialowas, Professor, Department Chair

Anne Bialowas, Ph.D., specializes in Civic Advocacy. She earned her doctorate in communication from the University of Utah and a Master of Arts in Communication from California State University of Sacramento. Bialowas’ primary research area is focused on sport communication and mediated representations of difference and identities. Bialowas is also involved with Safe@Weber.

Bialowas’ journey into teaching was inspired by “playing school” while growing up. She never wanted to give detention to a student, so that eliminated her wanting to work in a high school. Bialowas loves the variety of subjects at the university level. Seeing students improve and expand what they think could be possible excites her.

Aside from work, Bialowas enjoys going on walks and hikes with her family, which includes two girls and two golden retriever dogs, and also loves going to the beach.

Deann Carver, Instructor

Deann Carver, MSC, specializes in Public Relations & Strategic Communication. She earned her master's degree in strategic communication from Westminster University.

In addition to her academic achievements, Carver taught technical and recreational scuba diving for over 17 years and earned her NSS-CDS Cave Diver certification. She has managed various businesses, worked in the television, film and music industry, and was the director of marketing and communication for Utah’s largest animal welfare organization.

Carver finds great fulfillment in teaching because she enjoys sharing her work experiences with students to help prepare them for success in their professional, academic and personal lives. One of her favorite aspects of working with students is continuing to learn alongside them.

Aside from work, Carver enjoys staying involved in animal welfare advocacy, volunteering at the FanX Salt Lake Pop Culture & Comic Convention, riding her motorcycle, swimming, camping and traveling.

Li Chen, Assistant Professor

Li Chen, Ph.D., specializes in Social Media & Data Analytics. She earned a doctorate in mass communication from Syracuse University and another doctorate in broadcasting and television arts from Beijing Normal University. Chen’s dissertation has employed social network analysis and social media research methods to investigate the associations between celebrity culture, networked media and social movements. Her teaching and research interests include applied data science, media and diversity, and popular communication. Chen is also involved in the Social Media and Data Analytics Lab at Weber State.

Chen has only grown her hair long once in her life, which she did while at Weber State.

Chen was inspired by the excellent teachers she was enlightened by when she was younger. The knowledge and methods they taught helped her open new doors to the world. She aspires to become like her past teachers. One of Chen's favorite aspects of working with students is when students send her messages about how they're applying their learned skills and knowledge to real life. She feels so proud that her teaching can help them.

Aside from work, Chen enjoys long walks while observing nature and taking photos of clouds and sunsets.

Nicola A. Corbin, Professor
CETL Director

Nicola Corbin, Ph.D., specializes in Public Relations & Strategic Communication. She earned her doctorate in mass communication from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree from New York University. She also holds a Certificate of Effective College Instruction and directs the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning at Weber State.

Corbin is still a Harry Potter nerd after all these years. She went to a school like Hogwarts at 11, without the magic.

Corbin was inspired to teach after working at another university in a nonacademic role supervising students, and loving it. She decided she wanted to put herself in a position to do that full time, so she pursued a doctorate. Corbin loves being in the classroom with students and sharing ideas and perspectives around the course content. She loves designing activities that will make the content come alive for students and seeing them relate it to their own lives. One of Corbin's favorite aspects of working with students is when everyone, including her, gets different perspectives to consider. She feels blessed that she gets to do this for a living and learns so much from her students.

Aside from work, Corbin enjoys traveling and learning about different people and places now that she’s in a different place in her life. She also likes to write, although she is terrified of others reading her writing.

Mylynn Felt, Assistant Professor

Mylynn Felt, Ph.D., specializes in Civic Advocacy. She earned her doctorate in communication and media studies from the University of Calgary, a Master of Education in Curriculum Design and Instruction from Weber State University, and a master’s degree in communication and culture from the University of Calgary. She also holds a Utah Secondary Teaching License: English, Communication with ESL and Level II Reading Endorsements. Felt’s research focuses on social media and social movements.

Felt earned her first master's degree as a single mom while working full time. She deeply respects nontraditional students who juggle all their responsibilities while struggling to advance.

Felt finds great fulfillment in teaching because every class of students is different. It is exciting to hear fresh ideas from each new cohort. One of Felt's favorite aspects of working with students is teaching practical topics that help students improve their professional and personal lives.

Aside from work, Felt enjoys skiing and exploring mountains year-round. She loves a good crafting project, especially if it involves the color purple. She also volunteers with the Friends of the Weber-Morgan Children’s Justice Center, a nonprofit dedicated to helping child victims of crime.

Mark Galaviz, Instructor

Mark Galaviz, M.A., specializes in Speech and IPDA Debate. He earned his master’s degree in narrative communication from Boise State University. Galaviz also directs the Weber State Speech Team.

In addition to his academic achievements, Galaviz was the National Forensics Champion of 2022, has been a part of the Gold Medal Program Northwest Forensics Conference since 2021, and was the AHA! Award Winner in 2022.

Galaviz finds great fulfillment in teaching because of the students. One of his favorite aspects of working with students is seeing the light in students’ eyes when they expand their minds and start to understand that an idea has power when it sparks an evolution.

Aside from work, Galaviz enjoys camping, writing and finding silver linings.

Hailey Gillen Hoke, Associate Professor

Hailey Gillen Hoke, Ph.D., specializes in Organizational Communication. She earned her doctorate in communication studies from West Virginia University and a master’s degree in organizational and multicultural communication from DePaul University. Gillen Hoke’s research interests include workplace relationships, issues of gender at work and nontraditional student experiences. Gillen Hoke is an Honors advisor, an Organizational Communication advisor and the leader of the Student Success Team for the College of Arts & Humanities.

In addition to her academic achievements, Gillen Hoke ran the Pittsburgh full marathon during her doctorate program and hiked to the top of an active volcano (Mt. St. Helens) while growing up in Washington state.

Gillen Hoke was inspired to become a teacher by her love for sharing her knowledge and passion for learning with others. She strives to teach in a way that helps students learn the material and, perhaps more importantly, helps them become better thinkers and learners.

Gillen Hoke aims to inspire lifelong learners equipped to succeed in the “real world”— academically, socially and professionally. She loves hearing students’ insightful contributions to class discussions, witnessing their growth, and seeing the incredible things they do after graduation.

Aside from work, Gillen Hoke enjoys traveling and exploring new places, whether across the world or a new spot in Ogden. She also enjoys hiking, skiing and spending time with her husband, two kids and pets.

Robin Haislett, Assistant Professor

Robin Haislett, Ph.D., specializes in Public Relations & Strategic Communication. She earned a doctorate from Texas Tech University and a master's degree from Eastern New Mexico University. Robin is also an Adobe Education Institute Fellow.

In addition to her academic achievements, Haislett was recently elected into leadership in NCA's Applied Communication Division. She also thinks video games are the greatest communication medium of our time, and the depth of the writing for the show "Bluey" is unmatched.

Haislett’s journey into teaching was inspired by being around people who are endlessly curious, and she gets that from her colleagues and students. Haislett finds great fulfillment in teaching because she is pushed to be more creative and seek answers to the questions she asks and questions she generates from the search for iterative knowledge.

Aside from work, Haislett enjoys learning about GenAI, going to the gym, traveling on cruise ships, spending time with her family and cat, and watching shows on HBO.

Natalie Hales, Instructor

Natalie Hales, MPC, specializes in Interpersonal & Organizational Communication. She earned her Master of Professional Communication from Weber State University, and holds a Certificate of Effective College Instruction. Before stepping into the world of teaching, she served as WSU’s Campus Engagement Coordinator and led the Utah Campus Community Engagement Network, fostering statewide community involvement.

Hales’ family has a long history with Weber State, and her children continue the legacy as fifth-generation Wildcats.

Hales’ passion for teaching stems from her love of connecting with students who each bring a unique story and perspective to the classroom. She finds great satisfaction in exploring the profound impact of effective communication on human interaction, growth, and ability to thrive.

Beyond the classroom, Hales is a waterfall chaser who loves to hike.

Leslie Howerton, Assistant Professor

Leslie Howerton, Ph.D., specializes in Public Relations & Strategic Communication. She earned her doctorate in media studies from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree in public communication and technology from Colorado State University. Howerton is also involved with Ogden Peak Communications (OPC), the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA): Weber Chapter and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA): Utah Chapter.

Something interesting about Howerton is she’s a certified scuba diver who enjoys traveling around the world when she’s not teaching.

Howerton finds great fulfillment in teaching because of the classroom experience with students. Every student brings a new perspective and background to share. One of her favorite aspects of working with students is watching them wrestle with new ideas and working through them during class discussions.

Aside from work, Howerton is an avid reader who likes to cook.

Lauren Johnson, Instructor

Lauren Johnson, M.A., specializes in Argumentation and Debate. She earned her Master of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Rhetoric and Argumentation from the University of Wyoming. Johnson is also the Director of Debate at Weber State University and is interested in researching rhetoric and argumentation studies.

When Johnson began working as the first female Director of Debate at Weber State, she was also the youngest director of debate in national history.

Johnson believes debate teaches students that their voice and what they say matter. Teaching students how to confidently advocate for their opinions and beliefs is extremely rewarding to her. She decided to pursue a career in teaching and coaching debate not only because of the mentors she had throughout college, but also because she is passionate about and intrigued by civic advocacy, argumentation studies, public speaking strategies and human behavior.

Aside from work, Johnson enjoys alpine and nordic skiing, mountain biking, cooking, and hiking with her dogs.

Sheree Josephson, Professor

Sheree Josephson, Ph.D., specializes in Multimedia Journalism and Public Relations & Strategic Communication—teaching writing and editing, communication law, and research methods. She earned her doctorate in communication from the University of Utah. Josephson is a Rodney H. Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor, former chair of the Department of Communication and founding director of the Master of Professional Communication program at Weber State. In 2022, she was selected as a Fulbright Scholar where she consulted with a radio station in Tunis, Tunisia, that serves underserved communities, especially the disabled community.

Josephson was the advisor to The Signpost, Weber State’s student newspaper, for six years. She was a founding advisor to WSU’s Society of Professional Journalists chapter and the Lambda Pi Eta national honor society. Josephson is a noted eye-tracking researcher who has studied how people process visual information on the web, television, and in print, and has published two books and many scholarly journal articles and book chapters.

Teachers changed Josephson’s life. Ideas enriched her life and opened her mind. Her promise to every student is to offer them the individual support they need to be successful. As the coordinator of internships in the Department of Communication, she believes in the importance of applying what is learned in the classroom to the professional world.

Aside from work, Josephson loves world travel and has visited more than 30 countries so far. As a former journalist who almost became a war correspondent, she tries to travel to places where major news events or history took place. She has spent time in places such as South Africa, the West Bank and Israel, the Sinai Peninsula, eastern Ukraine, and Tunisia, home of the Arab Spring. She also enjoys "serious fiction," reading the winners of the major literary prizes such as the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, National Book Critics Circle Award, PEN Faulkner Award, the Booker Prize and the Nobel Prize from the last 50 years.

Katie Kassler, Assistant Professor

Katie Kassler, Ph.D., specializes in Interpersonal & Family Communication. She earned her doctorate in communication studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master’s degree in communication studies from Texas Christian University. Kassler is also involved in the National Communication Association and International Communication Association.

Kassler is interested in researching the links between interpersonal/family communication, social identity, and well-being. She received the 2024 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Communication Studies Phyllis Japp Scholarship, awarded to outstanding graduate students who show the greatest promise for significant contributions to the communication studies discipline.

College students are often in an interesting and transitional time of their lives, and it brings Kassler joy to help them learn the skills they need to navigate the uncertainties and difficulties they face daily. Kassler pursued teaching because she was inspired by her enjoyment of helping young adults learn how to be successful in their personal, professional and social relationships.

Aside from work, Kassler enjoys making collage art with friends, playing card games and Dungeons and Dragons, and listening to Taylor Swift.

Alex Lancaster, Associate Professor

Alex Lancaster, Ph.D., specializes in Civic Communication. He earned his doctorate in communication studies from West Virginia University and a master’s degree in communication studies from California State University Long Beach. He is also involved with the Center for Community Engaged Learning at Weber State University. Lancaster’s research interests include persuasive communication, community-engaged scholarship and public safety.

Something interesting about Lancaster is that he has spent more than 150 days at sea on cruise ships, and his longest single cruise was a 15-day sailing trip to Hawaii. Professionally, Lancaster has served as the chair of the Applied Communication Division for the National Communication Association and the Eastern Communication Association. In 2022, Lancaster was awarded the John A. Lindquist Award for outstanding, sustained community engagement. He now serves as Faculty-in-Residence for the Center for Community Engaged Learning at Weber State.

Lancaster’s path to communication and teaching started in his undergraduate communication courses with graduate teaching assistants. He thought it would be fun to stand in front of the class and teach instead of sitting in the classroom. He also had several faculty mentors who pushed him to pursue a faculty position. One of Lancaster's favorite aspects of working with students is doing independent research because he sees the same excitement in the students that he had when he was an undergraduate and graduate student.

Aside from work, Lancaster enjoys traveling (especially on cruise ships), spending time with family, visiting friends, target shooting, and cooking.

James McAllister, Assistant Professor

James McAllister, MFA, specializes in Digital Media. He earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in Film & Media Arts from the University of Utah. He is also involved with Weber State’s Studio 76 and is a Film Studies Faculty Affiliate.

In addition to his academic achievements, McAllister has been a panelist at the FanX Salt Lake Pop Culture & Comic Convention multiple times, presenting with the Lost Media Archive and analyzing different films and video techniques.

McAllister pursued teaching after being inspired by the power of media and technology to communicate ideas and evoke emotions. One of his favorite aspects of working with students is witnessing their creativity flourish as they harness the tools to express themselves and make an impact in the digital world.

Aside from work, McAllister enjoys watching films, traveling to new places, experiencing diverse cultures and exploring new restaurants.

Jean R. Norman, Associate Professor

Jean Norman, Ph.D., specializes in Multimedia Journalism. She earned both her doctorate in public policy and a master's in English from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Norman is the advisor for The Signpost, Weber State’s award-winning student newspaper. She is also involved with the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists chapters at Weber State University.

Something interesting about Norman is she has a drone pilot's license and does not know how to fly a drone very well. She says it's all in the test-taking.

Norman went into teaching after 30 years of experience in journalism. She thought she had something to share with a new generation. Journalism has many skills that transfer to other occupations, including the ability to just look smart.

Aside from work, Norman enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren and watching "Bridgerton."

Colleen Packer, Professor

Colleen Packer, Ph.D., specializes in Communication Teaching. She earned her doctorate from the University of Utah and a master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. She also has a Conflict Mediation and Conflict Resolution certification, 3 Practice Circles Referee certification and an Adobe Education Institute Fellow certification. Packer is also involved with the International Ombuds Association and Utah Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Packer’s research focuses on playful pedagogy and other teaching strategies to promote student success. She also studies communication processes and behaviors within the indigenous Comcaac tribe in Sonora, Mexico. Something interesting about Packer is that she’s the only female to have rappelled off the Dee Events Center catwalk during a basketball pre-game show.

Packer loves to see students move beyond their expectations. It’s rewarding for her to see someone who struggled to stay enrolled in their first year eventually graduate with their family present to celebrate their achievement.

Aside from work, Packer enjoys skiing, traveling, being Grandma “Co Co” and DIY projects.

Nathan Rodriguez, Associate Professor

Nathan Rodriguez, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Public Relations & Strategic Communication. He earned his Doctorate in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Kansas.

Rodriguez authored an open education resources (OER) textbook, The Art and Science of Public Relations and Strategic Communication, which is now used at Weber State. He is also the faculty advisor for Weber State’s radio station, KWCR.

Rodriguez was inspired by his parents, sister, and brother-in-law—each of whom are teachers—to go into teaching. He was initially more interested in research than teaching but was pleasantly surprised at how much he enjoyed teaching once he got into the classroom. His favorite part of teaching PR and strategic communication is seeing how student-led efforts can improve the local community.

Outside of work, Rodriguez enjoys cooking, playing frisbee with his dogs, hiking and camping in southern Utah and around the west, and collecting vinyl records.

Stephen Salmon, Instructor

Stephen Salmon, ESQ, specializes in Public Speaking and Communication Law. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Vermont Law & Graduate School and is licensed to practice in Utah.

Something interesting about Salmon is that he’s a fourth-generation attorney, and his family owns a 113-year-old firm in upstate New York. He also once got someone arrested for throwing a beer at OJ Simpson.

Salmon’s journey into teaching began in high school when a teacher said they didn't know why they put in the effort with him since he was never going to college. He wanted to become a teacher himself and show people that college and advanced degrees are possible no matter what. Salmon finds great fulfillment in teaching when people think they can't do something, and then they do. One of his favorite aspects of working with students is the idea that we can all do hard things.

Aside from work, Salmon enjoys reading, cooking, attending concerts and sporting events, and watching movies with his wife and two dogs, Princess Peach and Roo. You may also find Salmon at local game stores playing Disney’s Lorcana.

Elaine Schnabel, Assistant Professor

Elaine Schnabel, Ph.D., specializes in Organizational Communication. She earned her doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she specialized in critical theory. Schnabel studies how religion and other forms of moral identity are involved in the creation and legitimization of inequality in the United States. Her research, published in Management Communication Quarterly, Critical Studies in Media Communication and The Journal of Communication and Religion, interrogates systems of power and invites readers to reflect on how their own lives might be contributing to social hierarchies in everyday life. Schnabel is also involved with Safe@Weber.

Something interesting about Schnabel is she lived in Busan, South Korea, for two years. She has visited over 30 countries, including Japan and Cambodia (twice each), New Zealand and Australia.

Schnabel’s bringing as the daughter of two public school orchestra teachers inspired her to pursue teaching. Watching her parents turn middle schoolers into professional musicians inspired her to pursue becoming an educator. One of Schnabel’s favorite aspects of working with students is when they ask tough questions about topics that matter to them. She finds great fulfillment in teaching because it creates a space for everyone in the room to be themselves, make jokes and make mistakes.

Aside from work, Schnabel enjoys playing tennis, supporting Liverpool FC (you’ll never walk alone), traveling and reading sci-fi and fantasy.

Sarah Steimel, Professor
Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities Associate Dean

Sarah Steimel, Ph.D., specializes in Organizational Communication. She earned her doctorate in organizational communication with a minor in rhetoric/culture from the University of Nebraska and a master’s degree in speech communication with a minor in statistics from Kansas State. Steimel has research and teaching interests in organizational communication, difference/diversity and communication, and research methods. Her overall research focuses on communication in nonprofit organizations, especially between organizational staff, volunteers, and the diverse clients they serve.

Something interesting about Steimel is that after a 20-year break from formal lessons, she restarted dance classes and is taking a tap class with her teenager.

Steimel finds great fulfillment in teaching because she loves connecting with students, especially those balancing school with the rest of their busy lives. She finds it fun to teach students who want to use what they learn. Every semester, she learns from students who work through ways to apply communication concepts. She also thinks students are great people to learn from and learn with. She loves hearing updates from former students about where the adventures of life have taken them and how communication has helped them along the way.

Aside from work, Steimel enjoys spending time outside running or hiking with her family and large dog. She also loves reading and dancing and has watched all the baking shows on TV.

Brent Warnock, Instructor

Brent Warnock, M.A., specializes in Interpersonal & Family Communication. He earned his master’s degree in family ecology and completed his Ph.D. coursework in communication at the University of Utah. Warnock is involved with the Speech Showcase and is a faculty advisor for the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Warnock is a proud grandparent to six grandchildren with more on the way.

For over 20 years, Warnock owned and operated several real estate-oriented businesses. He sold the companies in 2008 so he could focus on teaching full time. He wants to make a difference for the good, like many of his academic mentors did for him.

Aside from work, Warnock enjoys running, stock trading and being the best possible husband, father and grandfather.