Ashley Barrett, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor in Communication
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Education:
- B.A., Political Science, Baylor University
- M.A., Organizational Communication, Baylor University
- Ph.D., Organizational Communication and Technology, University of Texas, Austin
Courses:
- CSS 1302 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
- CSS 3304 Small Group Communication
- CSS 3310 Communication Theory
- CSS 4301 Organizational Communication
- CSS 4315 Health Communication
Current Research Interests:
My primary research interests involve studying the intersections of time, communication, and technology in healthcare organizations. In addition, my research centralizes how traditional and newer media are perceived and/or used to distribute messages in time-constrained conditions such as emergencies and crises. Finally, I investigate identity negotiation in the workplace and seek to further understand what makes work “meaningful" to people in different organizational and national cultures.
Teaching Philosophy:
Education should be challenging but doable, and my goal is to encourage students to prioritize learning (not just grades) by infusing novelty and current events into my educational strategies. I strongly advocate the idea that education and learning are not defined by a classroom, but instead realized through an awareness of surroundings and a desire for intellectual challenges and growth. As such, I strive to improve the learning experiences of students by creating working relationships with the Baylor and Waco communities. For example, in Small Group Communication (CSS 3304), my students work with nonprofits in the Waco area to accomplish diverse projects grounded in communication, such as coordinating fundraising events, facilitating common ground in periods of mergers, formulating marketing strategies and PR campaigns, and learning how to become skilled in website design. Through these assignments, students gain valuable real-world experience in group collaboration, decision-making, conflict, creativity, and organizational change and technology.
Family, Outside Hobbies and Interests:
In my free time, I enjoy traveling in every direction and as far as expenses will allow. My favorite destinations so far have included Český Krumlov (Czech Republic), Edinburgh (Scotland), and Krakow (Poland), to name a few. When at home, and not in the classroom, I enjoy spending valuable time with my family and friends, including my beloved rescue dog and best friend, Gracie Bell. Other interests include college sports (Go Bears!), water and snow skiing, and any type of live music.What is the best thing about being a Baylor Bear?
Everything! Baylor has always felt like a family to me. Every one of my immediate family members (grandparents included) attended Baylor-several of them earning advanced degrees. Therefore, being a Baylor bear is a prized quality I share with the ones I love most. In addition, Baylor also feels like a symbolic family in that the university environment pushes you to learn more and reach your full potential, and yet provides resources of support and comfort around every corner. Very proud to be a bear.