Dr. Susan Avanzino

• PhD (1997) – Communication, University of Southern California
• MS (1991) – Communication, Illinois State University
• BA (1989) – Speech Communication, San Diego State University

"The reward is watching my students take theoretical knowledge, work through it for understanding, as well as finding utility in that knowledge by applying it to experience and current trends.”

I have been teaching at the college level since 1989 and find it to be personally rewarding and professionally motivating. My research interests supplement my in–class teaching by bringing in current organizational and communication topics as they apply to the current working world. This enables my students to not only learn from my experiences, but also bridges the gap between the academic experience and the non–academic work world. The reward is watching my students take theoretical knowledge, work through it for understanding, as well as finding utility in that knowledge by applying it to experience and current trends.

Professional Affiliations

• Western States Communication Association (WSCA)
• Speech Communication Association (SCA)
• International Communication Association (ICA)

Courses Frequently Taught

• CMST 132 – Small Group Communication
• CMST 140 – Student Career Preparation Workshop
• CMST 330 – Introduction to Communication Studies
• CMST 370 – Introduction to Organizational Communication
• CMST 470 – Organizational Communication Theories
• CMST 482 – Advanced Communication & Career Skills
• CMST 486 – Contemporary Issues in Organizational Communication
• CMST 601 – Seminar in Communication Studies
• CMST 603 – Qualitative Approaches to Communication Research
• CMST 607 – Seminar in Organizational Communication

Current Interests

My research interests have primarily focused on organizational topics including large scale and small venue change, culture and structuration. Over the last decade my interests have evolved to include technology and communication, technology use in education, communication education, as well as communication assessment, particularly oral communication. My current research program is focused on organizational change and patient–centered care in health care settings.