Dustin Bradley Goltz

Dustin Bradley Goltz is the Vincent de Paul Professor of Communication at DePaul University's College of Communication, where he teaches in the Department of Communication Studies. With a PhD from Arizona State University and an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Goltz has established himself as a leading scholar in performance studies, intercultural communication, and queer theory.

His research focuses on the intersections of identity, communication, and performance, with particular attention to:

• Intercultural dialogue across differences
• Queer temporalities and aging
• Polarization and political communication
• Comedic performance and controversy
• Intergenerational LGBTQ relationships

Goltz's scholarly work examines how communication practices construct rigid categories of "us" and "them," with research spanning from creative focus groups and media criticism to live performance. His work is deeply influenced by queer theory, critical theory, and dramatism, with a strong focus on intergenerational and intersectional tensions within the queer community.

His publications reveal a consistent engagement with how media representations shape understandings of gay male aging, identity, and community. His research spans traditional academic articles, performance texts, and multimedia projects that explore difficult questions with live audiences.

Goltz has received several prestigious awards for his scholarship:

• Randy Majors Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to LGBTQ Scholarship in Communication Studies (2018)
• Ellis-Bochner Autoethnography and Personal Narrative Research Award (2013)
• NCA Lilla A. Heston Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Interpretation and Performance Studies (2013)

Beyond his academic work, Goltz serves as a consultant and workshop leader in dialogue training, conflict resolution, and media advocacy. His performance projects, such as "Fred Astaire's Dancing Lessons" and "Blasphemies on Forever," demonstrate his commitment to using artistic expression to address complex social issues related to queer history, aging, and intergenerational mentorship.