Welcome
Welcome!
The Department of Communication Studies and Storytelling is more than a collection
of people: it is the embodiment of a belief that if we can understand others better
and reflect on how we engage with our friends, family, employers, neighbors, and strangers
we can empower ourselves and them for change.
Every year I see our students graduate and launch into exciting careers. The training offered in our department has been proven to prepare students for a variety of careers from web marketing to pharmaceutical sales, to corporate learning & development, to graduate degrees in law and counselling. In the community you will see our alumni working as attorneys, bank officers, therapists, storytellers, and community-healthcare liaisons.
When I hear from our former students, they all tell me the same thing: their degree in either Communication Studies (BA/BS) or Communication & Storytelling Studies (MA), prepared them for their successes today.
I love my department. Every day when I come to work, I am among seasoned educators with a passion and commitment to excellence, colleagues who are deeply invested in students and preparing them for life after ETSU. In my classes, I have the pleasure of engaging with undergraduate and graduate students who care deeply about our society and world and want to leave it better than they found it. My job is a dream come true.
Look around and be in touch. Like me, I think you’ll find that we have something pretty special here.
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Vision, Mission, Goals, & Values
VISION:
To offer high demand, high impact communication and storytelling training that is recognized on campus and throughout the region as vital to improving the human condition and creating fulfilling career paths.
MISSION:
The Department of Communication and Performance advances the understanding of communication by focusing on the ways people communicate with each other personally and professionally, embracing the complexity of human diversity, and examining the ways in which identity and meaning are created through the stories we tell and the stories we are told.
We engage our mission by pursuing the goals and upholding the values below.
GOALS:
- To ready students for a variety of careers by enhancing their practical communication skills, including both oral and written communication, and by equipping students with the experience, knowledge, craft, and competence of working professionals and leaders.
- To facilitate intellectual growth, research training and discovery, critical thinking acumen, and performance craft for students and faculty.
- To explore human performance in its many forms and utilize it as a way of understanding and knowing.
- To promote civic engagement, social responsibility, and civil dialogue in local, national, and global arenas.
- To make vital contributions to liberal arts education at ETSU by offering an exceptional General Education program in oral communication through skilled training provided by recognized experts from the communication discipline.
- To support the professional aspirations of our graduates and maintain ongoing relationships with them, while seeking out opportunities to connect our current students with our alumni.
- To foster a work environment that values each individual’s contributions, inspires good humor and creative problem-solving, promotes personal and professional growth, and recognizes each person as a member of families and communities beyond work.
VALUES:
- Relationships—that are healthy, respectful, and mutually beneficial for all members of our department community.
- Excellence—in critical thinking, academic endeavor, creative exploration, and artistic expression.
- Inclusiveness—that fosters respectful, ethical engagements and dialogues across populations and communities, and that advocates for free and open exchange of ideas, sustained democratic values, and working for the public good.
- Scholarship—that is pragmatic, critical, theoretical, and creative, and that is a product of passionate engagement with important social and research questions.
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What is Communicaiton Studies?
It is a major for people who:
- like working with people
- enjoy helping others
- aspire to be a leader
- speak up and speak out
- have a story to tell
- want broad career skills
Majors
Communication Studies Concentration
Storytelling Concentration
The concentration in Communication Studies helps students develop essential skills in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public communication. Through engaging coursework and hands-on experiences, students learn how to effectively connect with an array of audiences, analyze communication practices, and apply their knowledge in professional and personal contexts. This concentration prepares graduates for a wide range of careers where strong communication is key, from business and nonprofit work to education and public service. Learn more here.
The concentration in Storytelling explores the power of narrative as a tool for connection, education, and cultural preservation. Students study the art and craft of storytelling while gaining performance experience and learning how stories shape meaning across communities and professions. This concentration prepares graduates for careers in education, the arts, business, healthcare, anywhere stories can inspire and engage. Learn more here.
Minors
Communication Studies
Storytelling
The Communication Studies minor gives students the opportunity to strengthen their speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills while complementing any major field of study. With a focus on practical and theoretical approaches to human communication, this minor enhances students’ ability to collaborate, lead, and adapt in a vast amount of personal and professional settings. Learn more here.
The Storytelling minor allows students to explore the rich tradition and contemporary practice of storytelling as a powerful means of communication. Students gain experience in performance, narrative analysis, and creative expression while learning how stories can connect people, preserve culture, and inspire change. This minor pairs well with any major, adding valuable skills in communication and creativity. Learn more here.
Graduate Program
The Master of Arts in Communication and Storytelling Studies is a unique program that combines the study of communication with the art and application of storytelling. Graduate students engage in advanced coursework, research, and performance to deepen their understanding of how stories shape culture, identity, and human interaction. This program prepares students for careers in education, performance, leadership, and a variety of professional fields where communication and narrative are essential. Learn more here.
Student Organizations
Speech & Debate Team
The ETSU Speech & Debate Team gives students the opportunity to sharpen their public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills in a competitive and supportive environment. Team members travel to tournaments across the region and nation, building confidence and forming lasting connections while representing ETSU. Open to students of all majors, Speech & Debate offers valuable experience that translates to success in any career path. Learn more here.
Storyteller Collective
The Storyteller Collective is a student organization dedicated to celebrating and practicing the art of storytelling. Members have the opportunity to share their own stories, develop performance skills, and explore how storytelling can build community and preserve culture. Open to all students, the collective provides a creative and supportive space for anyone interested in the power of narrative. Learn more here.
Communication Studies Association
The Communication Studies Association is a student-led organization that brings together those interested in exploring and enhancing communication skills. Through workshops, guest speakers, service projects, and social events, members gain professional development opportunities while building connections with peers and faculty. Open to all majors, the association helps students grow as communicators and leaders. Learn more here.
Graduate & Professional Student Association
The Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA) advocates for the needs and interests of graduate and professional students while fostering a sense of community across programs. The organization provides opportunities for networking, professional development, service, and social engagement, helping students thrive both academically and personally. Learn more here.
Wesley Buerkle
Chair & Communication Studies Program Head
Wesley Buerkle serves as department chair and directly oversees the undergraduate major and minor
in Communication Studies.
Nancy Donoval
Storytelling Program Head
Nancy Donoval heads the Storytelling major concentration, minor, and graduate certificate
as well as overseeing Tale Tellers.
Christine Anzur
Head of the Graduate Program
Christine Anzur is Director of Graduate Studies for the MA in Communication Studies & Storytelling
and is the first point of contact for questions about the MA or Accelerated Bachelors
to Masters.
Meet the rest of our Faculty & Staff here.