Faculty and students in the School of Communication Studies, Scripps College of Communication and Ohio University are excited to welcome Drs. Bill and Pam Benoit to our community. Bill will join the COMS faculty while Pam becomes the Executive Vice President and Provost of the university. Bill Benoit, current editor of Communication Studies, brings a unique and vast array of research experience in areas of political communication and image repair. After developing the functional theory of political campaign discourse, Bill has explored a number of different political issues and events, including the latest presidential campaign of 2008. In his examination of image repair, Bill has researched a number of public affairs where companies, organizations, and individuals encounter a crisis with their reputation. Noting his background in political communication, Dr. Claudia Hale, the director of Communication Studies at OU commented, “Bill is an extremely well-regarded scholar-teacher. His presence will contribute in significant ways to our Political Communication (POCO) program.”

"I think it is very positive that the School has three endowed professorships. This shows support for faculty and, indirectly, for students.I am looking forward to meeting more students; so far I have met several graduate students and they have been very friendly and excited about their experiences."   Bill Benoit, Professor

Bill’s research plays a prominent role in how he engages with teaching and mentoring students.  He has developed courses pertaining to matters of persuasion, rhetoric, crisis communication and political advertising to name a few. Bill is particularly inspired by having opportunities to work with students outside of the classroom. “One exciting moment came last winter when two MU seniors who had just finished taking my campaign communication class, separately, came to me and volunteered to work on research with me,” Bill explained. “So far one of them co-authored an NCA paper and a journal article with me; both of them and a grad student at MU are working on a study of 2008 senate and gubernational TV spots.”  

Jeff Delbert, a doctoral student at MU who has worked closely with Bill commented, “Bill is an excellent advisor, as he is a kind, patient and intelligent man. After listening to either his advisee’s or student’s ideas he always provides excellent direction on how that individual can excel.”

Pam Benoit,  Executive Vice president and Provost

As an editor, too, Bill has inspired many students and scholars to continue learning and building upon ideas. Valerie Schrader, a doctoral candidate of OU, shared a story about her early experiences submitting work to journals. She explained that Bill called her personally to discuss her work and how she could improve. “I just thought it was the nicest thing that an editor would take the time to call,” said Valerie. “He struck me as someone who not only cared about the journal he was editing, but also cared about the intellectual development of future scholars.” Just as the Department of Communication Studies is pleased to welcome Bill to the OU community, the entire campus is celebrating the arrival of new Executive Vice President and Provost, Pam Benoit. In commenting on her appointment, Dr. Benoit noted the benefits of having a background in communication: “My own identity has clearly been shaped in large part by my communication background and it influences the way I approach new situations and problems as a provost.” Although Dr. Benoit’s role as chief academic officer will only occasionally bring her to Lasher hall, she stated, “It is exciting to come to an extraordinary university and to be the provost where the Scripps College of Communication and the School of Communication Studies are strengths for the campus and recognized within the discipline.” More information on Pam’s background and future visions for the University can be found on the Provost’s website: http://www.ohio.edu/provost/.