Communication Studies Faculty Lead FOSAS Conference – College of Communication & Information Sciences

College of Communication & Information Sciences

Earlier this month, faculty in the department of Communication Studies led a two-day professional development program for the division of Finance Operations and Shared Administrative Services (FOSAS). Each year, FOSAS organizes a professional development conference in which they bring in experts and speakers to serve the members of the division.

This year, FOSAS employees asked for help developing communication skills. As a result, Adam Brooks, Ph.D., was appointed as the conference’s creative director and helped FOSAS identify topics and speakers to help employees learn and grow.

“I think this conference speaks to a larger strategic goal of the college,” said Brooks. “In C&IS, we aim to extend our relevance beyond our building and become the first source for expertise related to communication and information.”

Darrin Griffin leads a workshop at the 2024 FOSAS Conference

The conference ran from November 13 to 14. Among the presentations, Brooks facilitated a program on developing presentation skills, Angela Billings led a program on conflict resolution, Darrin Griffin, Ph.D., guided a workshop on improving nonverbal communication, and Abdullah Salehuddin, Ph.D., helped participants improve their communal coping and combat imposter syndrome. In addition, doctoral students Kaitlyn Johns, Savana Robertson, Nina Witman, Jake Pardue, Jade Larson and Joseph Honeycutt led breakout sessions and discussions.

FOSAS supports the campus community, designated units and external partners by providing transparent and reliable administrative and financial services, business support, budgetary oversight and mail operations. The division houses several core University departments, including Captone Village, Construction Administration and Public Safety.

Brooks is an associate professor in Communication Studies and the director of public speaking. Billings is a senior instructor and the director of the Speaking Studio. Griffin is an associate professor and the former department chair of Communication Studies. Salehuddin is an assistant professor and recently published a study on imposter phenomenon.

The department of Communication Studies empowers students to develop an integrated skill set in oral and written communication that prepares them to be skilled communicators in personal, civic and professional roles.

For more information on Communication Studies, visit their department page.

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The College of Communication & Information Sciences, with a total enrollment of more than 3,400 students, was founded at The University of Alabama in 1973. Among three academic departments and one school, the College offers five bachelor’s, five master’s and one multidisciplinary doctoral program designed to hone students’ knowledge and skills within the communication and information sciences.

The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

Founded in 1831 as the state’s flagship university, The University of Alabama has always focused on being the best. This is Where Legends Are Made.

Jacob Crawford an award-winning photographer, filmmaker and writer for the College of Communication & Information Sciences. He is the immediate past president of AAF Tuscaloosa and serves as AAF District 7’s government relations chair.