Jane Damron, Ph.D.
Office:
Office Location: Castellaw 145
Office Hours: By appointment
Mailing Address:
Baylor University
Department of Communication
One Bear Place 97368
Waco, TX 76798-7368
Jane Damron's Curriculum Vitae
Educational Background:
B.S., Public Relations, Toccoa Falls CollegeM.A., Interpersonal Communication, Baylor University
Ph.D., Interpersonal Communication, The University of Texas at Austin
Courses:
- CSS 1302: Speech for Business and Professional Students
- CSS 1305: Introduction to Communication
- CSS 3304: Small Group Communication
- CSS 3311: Interpersonal Communication
- CSS 3312: Nonverbal Communication
- CSS 4313: Communication & The Family
Current Research Interest Areas:
Broadly, my research centers on the ways in which relational partners jointly and communicatively navigate periods of stress and transition. More specifically, I seek to understand how the concept of social support, or "supportive communication," in close relationships is related to coping and relational quality. My most recent investigations are focused on communication between mothers and daughters.
Teaching Philosophy:
My overarching goal in teaching is to motivate and facilitate my students' development as critical thinkers and lifetime learners. My inspiration and passion for teaching courses related to Interpersonal Communication is directly related to my belief that (a) communication impacts the nature and quality of our relationships, (b) the nature and quality of our relationships impact our overall quality of life, and (c) the discipline of Communication is a gateway through which we can explore the significant role communication plays in the human experience. I believe a combination of theory/scholarship and practice/application is key to students' meaningful and effective engagement and training within our discipline. I also believe that relationships are critical to the learning context; in my view, it is through cultivating a culture of openness, trust, and discussion that students are empowered to explore new and different ideas and to think critically about a variety of issues. It is important to me that my students are active in reading and evaluating recent and high quality academic scholarship, while also being able to make direct and practical applications for their own lives and intended professions. My ultimate aim is to prepare and equip my students to be mindful and strategic communicators in a variety of contexts, both professional and personal.
Family, Outside Hobbies, and Interests:
In my free time, you can find me hanging out with my husband of fourteen years, Caleb Damron. Caleb also works at Baylor, as the Assistant Director of Facilities & Operations for the Campus Recreation Department. Outside of work, we love traveling, exploring Waco, supporting the arts, seeing our favorite bands in concert, binge watching our favorite shows, reading, and playing with our mini schnauzer Piper.
What is the best thing about being a Baylor Bear?
My favorite thing about Baylor is the Department of Communication! I am so proud to be a part of such a great group of faculty, staff, and students. More broadly, I love the sense of community and togetherness that is cultivated at Baylor. I am very thankful for the meaningful relationships I am able to develop with colleagues and students.