Stephen A. Spates

Dr. Stephen A. Spates serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at Michigan State University, specializing in cultural communication, organizational communication, health communication, and human-machine communication. He actively contributes to academic service as Faculty Advisor for the Undergraduate Communication Association and through membership in the Black Faculty, Staff, and Administrators Association.

His educational journey includes a Bachelor's degree from Oakwood University (HBCU), a Master's in Communication from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in Communication and Information from the University of Tennessee. Born and raised in Detroit with roots in Berrien Springs, Michigan, he maintains strong ties to the state as a proud Michigander and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Spates' research manifests through publications in communication journals and two authored books in organizational communication, with an upcoming co-edited volume titled Reconciliation: The Final Step in Achieving Nonviolent Social Change. He uniquely applies theoretical frameworks through professional workshops on bias and discrimination, collaborating with universities and community organizations to foster constructive dialogues on sensitive social issues.

His professional engagements demonstrate practical translation of academic research into community impact, particularly through educational initiatives addressing discrimination. Current projects include developing workshop curricula for institutional partnerships and advancing his editorial work on reconciliation frameworks for social change.