In addition to my teaching and research, I have a number of positions in service to my department, my university, and my profession.
Library Liaison. I make recommendations and share in collection decisions in the Communication holdings of the UM library.
Undergraduate Committee. I am a member of the committee providing policy direction to our Undergraduate major and supervising services for our undergraduate students.
Minor in Rhetoric. I serve as an advisor for the interdisciplinary minor in rhetoric sponsored by the Departments of Communication and English.
Collegiate Council. I am a former chair of the faculty advisory committee to the dean of our college.
University Library Council. I am the chair of the University Library Council. The ULC advises the dean of libraries on services provided through the University Library System; advises the provost of the university on library matters including resources; and serves as the library committee of the Campus Senate.
American Forensic Association. I am former President of the AFA, former editor of its national journal, and currently serve as its webmaster. This is the major national professional organization for those involved in forensic activities -- debate and individual speaking events -- and in research in argument. In addition, we publish the leading journal in argumentation studies.
National Communication Association/American Forensic Association Summer Conference on Argumentation. This jointly sponsored conference is a biennial gathering of people doing research in argumentation. I have served on the planning committee for the last four conferences and was Director of the 1997 conference. I was also the keynote speaker at the 2005 conference.
National Communication Association. The National Communication Association is the major professional organization for those studying and teaching communication. I have served NCA as a member of its Task Forces on Constitutiton and Bylaws, on Diversity in the discipline and on involvement of the association in politically sensitive issues.