Davis W. Houck

Davis W. Houck is the Fannie Lou Hamer Professor of Rhetorical Studies at Florida State University's College of Communication & Information, School of Communication, where he has taught since 2000. His work bridges historical analysis of social movements with contemporary media discourse, emphasizing experiential learning through field research in civil rights history.

Education:

• BA in Communication, College of Wooster (1989)
• MA in Rhetoric and Communication, University of California (1992)
• PhD in Speech Communication, Penn State University (1995)

Houck's research examines the rhetoric of social change, particularly the Black Freedom Movement, through archival methods and critical analysis. He extends this scholarship into immersive pedagogy, notably leading students to historic civil rights sites in the Mississippi Delta. His teaching focuses on rhetorical theory, political communication, and the cultural intersections of sports/media.

He mentors doctoral candidates, including Matt Grindy, and supports youth development initiatives at the Miccosukee Boys and Girls Club.