Kevin Marinelli

Kevin Marinelli is a Teaching Associate Professor in Rhetorical Studies and Executive Director of the Program for Public Discourse at the University of North Carolina. His work focuses on public argument, civic education, and deliberative pedagogy. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia, an M.A. from San José State University, and a B.A. from the College of Charleston.

• Ph.D., University of Georgia
• M.A., San José State University
• B.A., College of Charleston

His research explores how publics negotiate shared meanings through argumentation, particularly in uncertain contexts. Key interests include rhetorical ethics, emotional persuasion, and the role of rhetoric in democratic processes. He has published in journals like Rhetoric Society Quarterly and Argumentation and Advocacy.

Recent articles address affective paradigms in communication, Black populist rhetoric, and empathic unsettlement in public monuments. He is currently writing a book chapter on rhetoric and civic education history.

• Recipient of Heterodox Academy grant (2023)
• Invited speaker at national discourse symposia
• Hosted inaugural Symposium of Collegiate Programs for Public Discourse

As Program Director, Marinelli leads faculty/student workshops on deliberative practices and advises the Agora Fellows program. Courses taught include rhetorical theory, public policy argumentation, and critical communication studies.