Shelby Swafford

Shelby Swafford is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the School of Communication Studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies (2023), an M.A. in Communication Studies (2016), and a B.A. in Relational Communication (2014), along with an interdisciplinary graduate certificate in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Her educational background:

• Ph.D. in Communication Studies (emphasis in performance studies), Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 2023
• M.A. in Communication Studies, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 2016
• B.A. in Relational Communication, University of South Florida, 2014
• Interdisciplinary graduate certificate in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Dr. Swafford's research spans activist performance, reproductive justice, feminist and queer theory, health and disability studies, and autoethnographic/archival methodologies. Her work uniquely bridges scholarly inquiry with creative performance, regularly showcased on the Marion Kleinau Theatre stage. This interdisciplinary approach integrates communication studies with critical frameworks from gender, sexuality, and disability studies.

Within the SIU community, she has held significant leadership roles including Chair of the annual SIU Conference on Women and faculty advisor for the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies registered student organization, demonstrating deep commitment to institutional engagement and mentorship.