Carson Kay
- Contact
- 1700 SW College AveMorgan HallRoom 206
Topeka, KS 66621785.670.2231
- Degrees & Certifications
- Berry College, Bachelor of Science
- Ohio University, Master of Arts
- Ohio University, Doctor of Philosophy
- Academic History
Assistant Professor, Washburn University, 2022-Present
Lecturer, Washburn University, 2020-2022
Graduate Teaching Associate, Ohio University, 2016-2020
- Course List
- CN 101 Introduction to Communication Studies
- CN 150 Public Speaking
- CN 302 Communication Theory
- CN 304 Qualitative Research Methods
- CN 308 Organizational Communication
- CN 309 Political Communication
- CN 342 Communication in Teams and Groups
- CN 395 Special Topics: Community Dialogue & Deliberation
- CN 490 Directed Research
- CN 498 Senior Capstone
- CN 645: Community Dialogue & Deliberation
- CN 698 Capstone
- Scholarly Interests/Activities
As an engaged political rhetorician, my research integrates political communication, public dialogue, and public deliberation. Specifically, I explore the representations of political and politicized identities in contentious U.S. spaces and conversations. Her recent projects explore public dialogue's potential to address affective polarization and strengthen democratic practices in pedagogical and community spaces.
In my classrooms, I foster deliberative democratic practices to encourage critical thinking, active learning, and self-reflexive awareness. Through engaged pedagogy, I seek to co-create educational moments with my students and provide opportunities for meaningful mentorship.
- Service Interests/Activities
I am currently a member of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), president of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (Chapter 130), faculty advisor of the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society (Iota Kappa Chapter), assessment liaison for my department, and member of several university, CAS, and departmental committees. I have served the Washburn community as a member of Faculty Senate and as a teaching fellow. Within my discipline, I have served in division leadership within the National Communication Association (NCA) and Southern States Communication Association (SSCA). My current service engagements are largely grounded in assessment, research, student honor society support, and pedagogical developments in generative AI.
- Career Accomplishments
There is no greater joy than witnessing students apply their knowledge to make a positive impact in the world. From coaching students on their speech-writing skills to providing guidance on research projects, I maintain that seeing students thrive is my ultimate accomplishment as an educator.
To date, I have received formal recognition for my commitment to teaching, research, and service, including the Berry Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Innovation Award in Assessment, top paper awards, service and leadership awards, and Most Valuable Professor (MVP) recognition by Washburn University Athletics.
