Michael Janas , Associate Professor
Ph.D., Communication Studies, University of Iowa, 1994
M.A., Speech Communication, University of Georgia, 1989
B.A., Communication, Boston College, 1987
My wife Mary Ann and I have two children, Sam and Lily, and two dogs and a cat. For twelve years, I was Samford's debate coach-then, I had kids. Before my kids came along, I watched a lot of movies and did a lot of debate work. Now I cook (I have attended classes at the Culinary Institute of America). I also sail and garden.
I teach rhetorical criticism and argument classes, and I teach in the UCCA program. Basically, I am interested in the ways that persuasion works. I have a pretty eclectic group of interests-that makes sense to me. I am particularly interested in film, as well as Southern culture. Recent publications examined the impact of the movie Blackhawk Down on our involvement in Afghanistan, President Bush's declaration that the situation in Darfur represented a genocide and an analysis of a Klan march at the University of Louisville.
I teach at Samford because I am convinced that Samford students are among the best in the nation. They constantly impress me with their ability to rise to the level of any assignment.
Dr. Janas's Honors/Awards/Professional Activities:
- Chairman, Committee on International Discussion and Debate. 2007. I oversee exchange programs in Japan, Great Britain, Eastern Europe and the United States. During the summer of 2007, I coached the US National Debate Team on a tour of Japan.
- District VI Coach of the Year, 2005. Given for outstanding contributions to policy debate in the Southeast region.
- Southeast-Central Coach of the Year, 2005. Given for outstanding contributions to CEDA debate in the Southeast Central Ceda Region.
- Southern Forensics Association Argument Teacher of the Year, 2000. Given for outstanding contributions to argument studies.
- DSR-TKA Service Award, 2001. Given for outstanding service to DSR-TKA debate honorary.
- DSR-TKA Tournament Director, 1999-2006. Directed the National Championships for DSR-TKA
- Chair or the Arts and Sciences Assembly, on the Faculty Executive Committee, on the Arts and Science and University Faculty Development and Evaluation Committee and in the University Senate.
- Currently the faculty advisor for Lambda Chi Alpha.
