Frances Brandau

Dr. Frances Brandau is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Studies at Sam Houston State University (SHSU), within the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. She holds a Master’s degree in Speech Communication from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from Louisiana State University.

Research Interests: Dr. Brandau's scholarly work spans interpersonal and relational communication, visual persuasion, and message effects, examining how communication dynamics shape interactions and perceptions across diverse contexts.

Teaching and Service: With over 25 years of involvement in the Southern States Communication Association (SSCA), she served as president in 2011 and participated in division and executive council committees. Her pedagogical excellence is recognized through her ACUE fellow status, earned after completing specialized training in inclusive online learning and effective teaching practices. She mentors young scholars via SHSU’s Pathfinders program and is currently developing leadership skills in the Texas Academic Leadership Academy.