Gary Deaton

Gary Deaton is a Professor and Program Director of Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication at Transylvania University, where he has served for 24 years. He also leads the university's award-winning forensics (speech/debate) program. His teaching philosophy emphasizes student engagement through interactive methods, using texts like Kurt Vonnegut and Neil Postman, and courses such as Rhetoric and Elections (co-taught with Scott Whiddon).

Education:

• M.A., Miami University (1987)
• B.S., Miami University (1983)

Research Focus: Specializes in interpersonal/organizational communication dynamics, gender studies in communication, and argumentation theory. Explores humor's role in communication through an upcoming course on Communicating Humor, analyzing comedy's cultural impact.

Awards:

• 1994 Kentucky Communication Association Teaching Excellence
• 1992 NDA & 1993 KFA Forensics Coaching Excellence
• 2002 KCA Outstanding Service

Advising/Grants: Advises Transylvania's debate team; no specific grants mentioned but actively involved in curriculum development. Courses taught include Public Speaking, Gender and Communication, and Cross-Cultural Communication.

Labs/Teams: Leads the forensics program, consistently producing competitive debate teams.