Division of Communication Arts

Purpose

The Division of Communication Arts strives to highlight and integrate the fields of communication studies, journalism and mass communication, and theatre arts through creative, interdisciplinary emphases. Our work involves a synthesis of theory, analysis, and application through classroom experiences, laboratory experiences, practice, and performance. The Division of Communication Arts facilitates learning designed to stimulate artistic, social, cultural, and spiritual development.

Chair, Communication Arts

Benjamin C. Baxter
Associate Professor of Animation and Media Production
B.A., Ouachita Baptist University, 2002
M.F.A., Savannah College of Art and Design, 2006
Joined the OBU faculty in 2016.

Faculty

Kaylene Barbe
Frank W. Patterson Professor of Communication
B.A., Baylor University, 1983
M.A., University of Oklahoma, 1987
Ph.D., University of Oklahoma, 1990
Joined the OBU faculty in 1990.

John R. Dement
Associate Professor of Theatre, Director of Theatre
B.A., Baylor University,1990
M.F.A., Louisiana State University, 1994
Joined the OBU faculty in 2022.

Holly Easttom
Assistant Professor of Journalism
B.A., University of Central Oklahoma, 2000
M.A., University of Central Oklahoma, 2002
Joined the OBU faculty in 2000.

Ann C. McNellis
Assistant Professor of Communication Studies
B.A., Oklahoma Baptist University, 1999
M.A., Texas Tech University, 2001
Joined the OBU faculty in 2023.

Gary D. Rhodes
Professor of Media Production
Ph.D., The Queen’s University (United Kingdom), 2010
Joined the OBU faculty in 2021.

Catherine (Alex) Webster
Assistant Professor of Theatre Technology and Design
B.A., Brevard College, 2017
M.F.A., Texas Tech University, 2020
Joined the OBU faculty in 2022.

Career Opportunities

Acting
Account Executive
Advertising
Announcer
Community Relations
Corporate Trainer
Costumer
Counselor
Designer
Directing
Event Coordinator
Human Resources
Journalist
Marketing
Multimedia Producer
News Producer
News Reporter
Non-profit Director
Public Relations
Photographer
Recruitment
Researcher
Social Media Coordinator
Sports Reporter
Stage Manager
Television Director
Television Editor