From the President: The Communicative Nature of Growth
In the spirit of 2025, as a Year of L.I.F.T. (Leading with Imagination and Forward-Thinking), this year’s Presidential Spectra columns have discussed strengths, the calm-chaos dynamic, and now growth—an ideal output and perhaps culmination of our prior conversations. We have engaged in L.I.F.T.-focused discussion that will continue into this year’s…
From the President: Thoughts on Calm, Chaos, and See-through
The summer months of travel, meetings, loss, writing, heat, and humidity have co-mingled with teaching, sports, family, and service commitments. Embedded in this often-frantic pace are moments of calm and chaos. When times are turbulent and L.I.F.T. (Leading with Imagination and Forward-Thinking) remains a priority, re-centering clarity can be a…
From the President: On Our Times
Strengths. As I contemplate the rush of turbulence and tensions in our contemporary times, I have intentionally shifted my mind to focus on our strengths and the staying power of our communication discipline. One strength of our Association is its proven track record of adapting and of navigating solvency through…
From the President – November 2024
The annual convention will be a wonderful opportunity to engage with fellow NCA members, whether you are presenting, attending panels, exploring ideas, or a bit of everything. I encourage you to attend some of our key events that will set the tone for the convention. Don’t miss the Opening Session,…
From the President: Introduction
Dear NCA Members, It is with great enthusiasm that I present to you the latest edition of Spectra. Packed with insightful articles, updates, and opportunities tailored specifically to our members, Spectra serves as an important connection point for all of us. Communication, now more than ever, must be at…
From the President – With a Will
When I struggle to find the words, I turn to poetry. Tonight, I am drawn to three poems. Cemal Süreya (1931-1990), a Turkish poet, in “Now Sweetheart” wrote: One of my favorite poets, Nayyirah Waheed,…
From the President – To Be Seen, Heard in NCA and the Discipline
Ahlan wa sahlan (“Welcome” in Arabic) to my first Spectra column as President of the National Communication Association. January 1 marked the beginning of my year of service as NCA’s President. My primary purpose in this role, as I see it, is to help create the conditions for each of…
From the President – Professional Associations and Political Engagements
“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.,“The Death of Evil upon the Seashore” sermon given at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City, May 17, 1956 The task of retaining one’s faith and resolve…