Lesli K. Pace

Dr. Lesli K. Pace is a Professor and Chair of Communication Studies & Modern Languages at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), with an interim appointment in English. She holds a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Philosophy of Communication from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and has taught at institutions across the U.S. and internationally for nearly 30 years.

Education:

• Ph.D., Rhetoric and Philosophy of Communication, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
• M.A., Communication: Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, Texas State University
• B.A., Speech Communication: Public Address, Southeast Missouri State University

Dr. Pace specializes in the rhetoric of social movements, focusing on civil rights, women's liberation, and leadership challenges. Her work explores feminist ontology, narrative analysis, and visual intersections within social movements, with publications in journals like Peace Studies Journal and Women and Language. She co-edited two influential books on civil rights sit-ins with Dr. Sean Patrick O'Rourke.

Her research spans the narrative power of protest imagery, leadership dynamics, and violence prevention advocacy. Articles reflect keywords in communication studies, rhetoric of protests, and visual analysis.

Teaching & Advocacy: She teaches Communication Studies and has served as associate faculty for Bar Ilan University. Dr. Pace is a dedicated advocate against violence toward women and children since 1991, organizing marches and lectures on intersectionality. She has lectured at Sewanee, Yale, and Northwestern summer programs.