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Carson Kay

Assistant Professor
Communication Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Contact
Morgan Hall
Room 206
1700 SW College Ave
Topeka, KS 66621
785.670.2231
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.

Certificate of Teaching and Learning 2020-2021

Certificate of Inclusive Teaching and Learning 2020-2021

Certificate of Teaching and Learning 2021-2022

Certificate of Inclusive Teaching and Learning 2021-2022

Certificate of Teaching and Learning 2022-2023

Certificate of Inclusive Teaching and Learning 2022-2023

Certificate of Teaching and Learning 2023-2024

Certificate of Inclusive Teaching and Learning 2023-2024

Certificate of Teaching and Learning 2024-2025

Certificate of Inclusive Teaching and Learning 2024-2025

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