Melody Lehn

Dr. Melody Lehn is an Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Chair of Women’s and Gender Studies at The University of the South. She also serves as Co-Director of the Center for Speaking & Listening and Program Director of the SUMMA Theological Debate Camp. Her academic background includes a B.A. from Furman University and M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Memphis.

Her research focuses on rhetoric’s role in democracy, gendered public discourse, and American women’s rhetorical practices. She has published widely in rhetorical history, political communication, and gender studies, with works analyzing figures like Eleanor Roosevelt, Michelle Obama, and Hillary Clinton. Dr. Lehn has received prestigious teaching awards, including the College Excellence in Teaching Award (2019) and Dwight L. Freshley Award (2018).

Her service contributions include co-directing the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan (2017–2020) and serving on committees such as the ERP Steering Committee and Library & IT Services Committee. She has also edited journals like the Carolinas Communication Annual and contributed to editorial boards in Women & Language.

Dr. Lehn’s pedagogy emphasizes undergraduate research, with students presenting at national conferences like Southern States Communication Association. Her current projects include an anthology on the Equal Rights Amendment (forthcoming 2024) and collaborative work on rhetorical methodologies.