Douglas Fraleigh

Douglas Fraleigh serves as Professor of Communication and University Faculty Director of Assessment at California State University, Fresno within the College of Arts and Humanities. He previously held significant leadership roles including Department Chair for eight years and Director of Forensics for fourteen years.

His educational background includes a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley and a BA from California State University, Sacramento.

Professor Fraleigh's research centers on constitutional free speech protections and communication theory, with emphasis on marketplace of ideas frameworks, argumentation structures, and legal communication. His scholarship bridges academic theory and practical application through co-authored works including 'Freedom of Expression in the Marketplace of Ideas' (Sage) and 'Speak Up! An Illustrated Guide to Public Speaking' (Bedford/St Martin's).

He serves on editorial boards for 'First Amendment Studies' and 'Communication Law and Policy', and has chaired the university's Oral Communication Core Competency assessment as College Assessment Coordinator for five years.

As a dedicated forensics coach, he led Fresno State's speech and debate program for fourteen years while holding leadership positions including President of the Northern California Forensics Association and chair of the Cross Examination Debate Association Pacific District.