Linda Laine, Kenneth J. Weller Distinguished Professor of the Liberal Arts and professor of communication studies at Central, has been appointed as Faculty Fellow for Interdisciplinary and Faculty-led Programs at the college.
Laine will work with faculty, along with Brian Peterson, associate dean of students, and Mary Strey, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty, to support faculty development in interdisciplinary and off-campus programs. Her appointment began August 2021.
“I believe that my background in communication — a discipline that naturally intersects with so many others — is an excellent position from which I can help facilitate the development of these two interrelated arenas,” Laine says. “I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues in the creation of exciting learning opportunities for our students.”
Laine earned her bachelor’s degree with honors in human communication from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. She completed her master’s degree and Ph.D. in communication at the University of South Florida. Laine has been a Central faculty member since 2004 and was promoted to professor of communication studies in 2018.
As a past recipient of the David Crichton Memorial Teaching Award, Laine has been recognized for her teaching excellence. She enjoys guiding students in their own research and helping them apply theory to practice via service learning, internships, and other projects. Her commitment and leadership to the college include her years of service as department chair; her appointment by the Central Board of Trustees as a faculty trustee; her election as faculty representative to the Committee on Funding Priorities; and her election to the faculty policy committee, where she also was elected chair. Laine also previously served as president of the Iowa Communication Association.
“Linda’s commitment to and advocacy for innovative teaching, academic excellence, global experiential learning and interdisciplinary courses demonstrate her ability to serve the college well in her new role,” Strey says. “We are grateful for her work to support faculty in the development of robust faculty-led programs.”