Charla Markham Shaw

Dr. Charla Markham Shaw is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), within the College of Liberal Arts. Her academic career spans over three decades, beginning as an Assistant Professor in 1993 and advancing to her current rank. She specializes in Health Communication, Narrative Studies, and Self-Conception, with a focus on health disparities, identity, and communication theory. Her research has addressed topics such as HPV vaccination hesitancy, female condom adoption, and pandemic vaccine messaging. Dr. Shaw has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, led grants funded by organizations like the CDC, and advised over 30 graduate and undergraduate students. She has received multiple teaching awards, including the Gertrude Golladay Award and recognition by UTA’s Women’s Basketball Team. Her service roles include chairing departmental committees, advising professional organizations, and engaging in community outreach. Dr. Shaw’s creative activities include performance-based research and collaborative projects on health communication strategies.

Education: PhD in Speech Communication from Louisiana State University (1993), MA in Communication from Baylor University (1987), and BA in English and German from Angelo State University (1986).
Grants: Includes a $500,000 CDC grant addressing health disparities and a US Department of State initiative on climate change information accessibility. Her research emphasizes bridging gaps in health communication and leveraging narratives for societal impact.

Teaching: Focuses on professional presentations, organizational communication, and educational strategies, with courses like COMS 4315 (Professional Presentations) and COMM 5332 (Advanced Professional Communication). She has also contributed to interdisciplinary programs, including the NBCU Academy and EMBA communication modules.

Recognition: Named a nominee for UTA’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers (2003, 2014) and honored for her impactful mentorship. Her work has been presented globally, including at the World Communication Association and International Conference on Communication in Healthcare.