Bernard K. Duffy

Bernard K. Duffy is Professor of Communication Studies at California Polytechnic State University's College of Liberal Arts, specializing in rhetorical theory and American political address. He earned his PhD from University of Pittsburgh (1976) following MA and BA degrees from San Jose State College. His scholarly contributions include eight books on American oratory and numerous journal publications in Philosophy and Rhetoric, Communication Quarterly, and Theatre History Studies.

Research focuses on political rhetoric, environmental discourse, and African American oratorical traditions. Current investigations examine rhetorical strategies in conservation debates and presidential address. Funded by National Endowment for the Humanities grants, his work analyzes how civic discourse shapes environmental policy and social justice movements.

• Teacher of the Year (Departmental): 5 awards
• Distinguished Scholarship Award (University): 2013
• Distinguished Teaching Award (University): 2003

Advises graduate students in rhetorical studies and leads departmental debate initiatives. Laboratory facilities support archival research and speech analysis with specialized audiovisual recording capabilities.