Rhonda Parker , Professor and Chair
Ph.D, Speech Communication, University of Georgia, 1994
M. A., Speech Communication, University of Georgia, 1987
B. S., Speech Communication, University of Southern Mississippi, 1985
My husband Mark and I have two little boys, five crazy dogs, and two snobby cats. We live out in the country, and as you can probably imagine, we stay pretty busy!
I arrived at Samford in August 2002, having spent nine years in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of San Francisco, where I served as chair and as the director of the University's public speaking program. Though I loved living on the west coast, it's great being back in the South.
My primary area of research is interpersonal communication in intimate relationships. I study all kinds of close relationships, such as romantic partners, family relationships, and friendships. I am currently completing several projects that explore the internet as a trigger for romantic jealousy in the U. S., Hungary, Spain, and Turkey (my students help me collect data for this project).
I teach at Samford because I love the kind of students we attract. They come to us well prepared for the rigors of college, and I'm able to take them so much farther than students anywhere else I've taught. Since I've been here, my students have conducted research that rivals that produced by graduate students, which I find very exciting. I also am continually amazed at the supportive environment that is Samford. I'm part of a very caring community: my colleagues and students make this a wonderful place to work and live.
Dr. Parker's Honors/Awards/Professional Activity:
- Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Howard College of Arts and Sciences, Samford University, 2006.
- The University of San Francisco Distinguished Teaching Award, 1998.
- Skill Initiative Award. Given for outstanding contributions to the Division of Student Affairs at the University of San Francisco.
- Three-time winner, Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Department of Communication Studies. Award given by University of San Francisco's Student Communication Association.
- Award for top publication appearing in Women's Studies in Communication. Awarded by the Organization for Research on Women and Communication.
- Three-time winner, Top Paper Award, Southern States Communication Association and Western Communication Association.
- Top Four Paper Award, Southern States Communication Association.
- Bostrom Young Scholar Award, Southern States Communication Association.
