معرفی
Matthew P. Brigham is an Associate Professor in the School of Communication Studies at James Madison University, where he has taught since 2009. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Graduate Faculty Member, advising both undergraduate and graduate students in advocacy and environmental communication studies. His research focuses on public controversies related to environmental justice, rhetoric, and pedagogical practices in competitive forensics. Brigham has received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award (2017) and the Friend of Debate Award. He coordinates the SCOM Annual Undergraduate Research Conference and serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences. Beyond academia, he contributes to community initiatives like the Madison Collaborative and is an inaugural member of the Madison Hispanic Caucus.
Brigham’s educational background includes a BA from Baylor University (Political Science, Philosophy, Environmental Studies) and an MA in Communication Studies, followed by a Ph.D. focusing on international population discourse. His teaching spans undergraduate courses (SCOM 123, 242, 341) and graduate courses (SCOM 541, 600, 652), emphasizing advocacy, rhetorical methods, and environmental communication. He has mentored over 20 students in publishing their research in peer-reviewed journals, including works stemming from his undergraduate and graduate classes.
His research appears in journals like Western Journal of Communication and Argumentation and Advocacy, often co-authored with JMU colleagues. He actively participates in academic service, reviewing for the National Communication Association and serving on editorial boards. Brigham’s outreach extends to campus leadership roles, including selecting commencement speakers and advising the JMU Debate team. A passionate advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, he balances scholarly rigor with community engagement, reflecting his commitment to environmental justice, pedagogical innovation, and public advocacy.
