Jonathan M. Gray

Jonathan M. Gray is Associate Professor in the School of Communication Studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and serves as Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies. A scholar-performer, he integrates rhetorical and performance studies to investigate environmental discourse, queer ecologies, and the social construction of nature.

Education

• Ph.D. Speech Communication, Louisiana State University, 1999
• M.A. Speech Communication, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1990
• B.A. Speech Communication & Dramatic Arts, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1987

Research Interests

Dr. Gray’s work sits at the intersection of performance studies, environmental communication, queer theory, and visual rhetoric. He explores how performance can interrogate and reimagine human–nature relationships, employing solo performance, puppetry, and community‐based art to foster ecological advocacy and LGBTQ+ visibility.

Publications & Creative Work

Across journal articles, performance texts, and multimedia projects, Gray consistently blends ecological critique with aesthetic experimentation. Recent outputs range from scholarly essays on queer ecology and graphic‐novel ecocriticism to the puppet parade “All Species Puppet Parade” and the LGBTQ radio program “Isn’t It Queer”.

Honors & Awards

• NCA Environmental Communication Division J. Robert Cox Civic Engagement Award (2016)
• William & Galia Minor Professorship in Creative Communication (2015-)
• SIU Center for Inclusive Excellence Ally of the Year (2015)
• Central States Communication Association Performance Studies & Theatre Outstanding Scholar Award (2012)

Advising & Outreach

As faculty advisor to the Marion Kleinau Theatre and mentor for numerous student productions, Gray encourages community-engaged scholarship. He curates puppet-building workshops, directs ensemble performances, and integrates undergraduate researchers into ongoing projects on environmental communication and queer ecologies.

Affiliated Labs & Projects

Gray leads the All Species Puppet Parade collective and collaborates with regional environmental organizations to stage public art interventions. These initiatives serve as living laboratories where students apply rhetorical theory to community‐based environmental advocacy.