Thomas J. Roach

Thomas J. Roach serves as Associate Professor of Communication at Purdue University Northwest within the Department of Communication and Creative Arts. He previously chaired this department from 2013-2020 and teaches rhetorical theory, public relations, journalism, interviewing, and fine art photography courses.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Communication Studies: Rhetorical Inquiry, Northwestern University (1994)
• M.A. in English, Northern Illinois University (1978)
• B.S. in Journalism and English, Northern Illinois University (1976)
• A.A. in Liberal Arts, Joliet Junior College (1974)

Professor Roach specializes in rhetorical inquiry examining corporate communication, public relations, journalism, and power dynamics within the public sphere. His research explores how rhetorical strategies exercise influence across political campaigns, media narratives, and professional communication contexts, with particular emphasis on historical Cold War discourse and contemporary media effects.

His publications from 1995-2002 reveal consistent focus on media-power relationships, analyzing news narratives in Middle East coverage, paradoxical media effects on societal behavior, and Cold War rhetorical strategies. This body of work demonstrates interdisciplinary connections between rhetoric, political science, and media studies.

Awards:

• National Speech Communication Association Dissertation of the Year Award
• Featured Artist at Northwest Indiana Arts Association Photography Show (Moving Pictures)
• Focus Fine Art Photography Magazine Merit Award
• B&W Photography Magazine Single Issue Contest Winner

Professor Roach maintains active connections with PR alumni while drawing on extensive professional experience as reporter, newspaper editor, PR consultant, and corporate communication director. His practical background includes advising Ron Brown for Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign and coordinating media for congressional races, which informs his teaching of tactical interviewing skills and prescriptive two-way communication models.