Shawn J. Parry-Giles

Shawn J. Parry-Giles is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland’s College of Arts and Humanities. She also directs the Rosenker Center for Political Communication & Civic Leadership, focusing on public oratory and civic engagement. Her research examines rhetoric’s role in power dynamics, gender, and political identity, with a focus on historical and contemporary U.S. politics. Parry-Giles holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University and has authored/co-authored eight books and numerous articles.

Her key research areas include presidential rhetoric, gender and politics, media influence, and feminist theory. She co-leads projects like the Voices of Democracy and Recovering Democracy Archives, digitizing speeches and teaching resources to promote civic education. Current projects explore the Exoduster movement and 19th-century abolitionist/women’s rights rhetoric.

Parry-Giles has earned notable awards, including the Marie Hochmuth Nichols Award (2015) and Choice Outstanding Academic Title (2002). She teaches courses on political communication, democratic deliberation, and academic writing. Through the Rosenker Center, she mentors students in organizing public dialogues and collaborates with non-profits to advance civic engagement.