Assistant Professor
BA, University of Arkansas; MA, University of Arkansas; Ph.D., Purdue University; Postdoctoral Fellowship, Health Services Research and Development, Indianapolis VA Medical Center
Organizational Rhetoric, Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, Rhetoric of Social Movements

Office Location:  Centennial Hall 325
Office Phone:  512-245-1358

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About Dr. Fox

Dr. Fox's research falls into three categories; 1) organizational rhetoric, with a focus on accident causation, and after accident investigation, 2) health communication with a focus on the U.S. nursing shortage and nursing work and 3) the rhetoric of social movements, with a focus on environmental rhetoric. During the past four summers she has taught courses in Honors Speech Communication and Leadership and Public Service for the Junior Statesman Association at Princeton, Yale, and Stanford Universities. 

Sample of Courses Taught

COM 5343 Organizational Rhetoric--Organizational rhetoric is the strategic use of symbols by organizations to influence both internal and external audiences.This course is designed to teach students to use concepts from both rhetorical criticism and organizational communication to examine symbol use by organizations. We will explore a range of organizational texts using a variety of rhetorical methods.

COM 5323 Rhetorical Methodology-- This course is a graduate-level introduction to various methods of rhetorical analysis. During the semester we will survey the history of rhetorical criticism in the field of communication studies and explore the major debates and critical methodologies which comprise this area of inquiry.  The principle areas of emphases will be: 

1.  Developing an understanding of the goals and contributions of rhetorical studies in the communication field,
2.  Investigating and applying a variety of rhetorical methodologies, noting their strengths and assessing their utility,
3.  Sharpening and refining critical research and writing skills.

COM 3302 Rhetorical Criticism--Rhetorical inquiry is foundational to research in communication, providing answers to questions about speakers, symbols, messages, situations, and persuasion. The practice of criticism contributes much to our knowledge about public discourse and the symbolic processes of influence in formal oratory, public debate, political communication, organizational communication, and mass media.