Allison Prasch

Dr. Allison M. Prasch is the Nancy Obin Sukenik Professor and Associate Professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on U.S. presidential rhetoric, political communication, and rhetorical history, with expertise in how political leaders construct national identity through international discourse.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Communication Studies (Rhetoric), University of Minnesota, 2016
• M.A. in Communication Studies (Rhetoric), University of Minnesota, 2011

Her research examines how Cold War presidents strategically used international tours and media coverage to extend U.S. global influence. Dr. Prasch utilizes archival methods across presidential libraries to analyze global presidential rhetoric as a persuasive strategy in foreign affairs.

Honors & Awards:

• Institute for Research in the Humanities Faculty Fellowship (2024-25)
• Vilas Associates Award (2023-24)
• First Book Program Award (2019)
• Golden Anniversary Monograph Award (2017)

Dr. Prasch maintains an active media presence, providing expert commentary for outlets including NPR, BBC, Washington Post, and C-SPAN on presidential rhetoric and political communication.