Debbie Kilby Baker

Debbie Kilby Baker is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte since 2001. She specializes in teaching undergraduate courses in public speaking, business communication, small group communication, and interpersonal communication. Her teaching style emphasizes engagement and creativity, as reflected in her student-designed 'Most Eccentric' award for innovative pedagogical approaches. She holds a B.A. from UNC Charlotte (1993) and an M.A. from UNC Greensboro (1999).

• Education:
• B.A., University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 1993
• M.A., University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1999

Her research interests revolve around effective communication strategies in educational settings, mentorship, and pedagogical innovation. She has pioneered programs such as the University Speaking Center (founded in 2016) and served as the first Communication Across the Curriculum Fellow, advancing academic communication initiatives. Her work has earned national recognition, including two prestigious awards from the National Association of Communication Centers.

• Awards:
• 2013 Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (Departmental Team)
• 2017 and 2019 National Association of Communication Centers' Most Outstanding Undergraduate Consultant Awards

Baker’s professional contributions extend beyond the classroom. She mentors faculty and presents workshops on communication strategies to organizations like Wells Fargo, TEDxUNCC, and the Diversity Summer Institute. She currently coordinates the Comm 1101 Public Speaking course, advises undergraduates, and chairs the Communication Studies Scholarships Committee.