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Directory

Sam Wallace

Professor Emeritus

Emeritus

College of Arts and Sciences: Communication

Contact

Email: Sam Wallace
SJH

Degrees

  • Ph.D., Ohio State University, 1985
  • M.A., Ohio State University, 1979
  • B.A., Ohio State University, 1975

Profile

Dr. Sam Wallace's interests focused on instructional communication and on research methods. He was particularly interested in communication pedagogy, innovation in the classroom, innovation and creative decision making and the role of space and environment in the learning process. Sam was also interested in the implications of the worldwide communication infrastructure for collaboration, competition for jobs and academic preparation for the new century. He put his expertise in student learning into action with the recent publication of a textbook on the foundations of communication theory, Communication: Principles of tradition and change. In addition to the books he has published, his research has appeared in periodicals such as Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media and The Basic Communication Course Annual.

Sam made an important impact in scholarship, both nationally and regionally, with his leadership in the discipline. He served on the National Communication Association’s Legislative Assembly and  chaired its Basic Course Division. He was the founding chair of the Central States Communication Association’s Basic Course Division. Here in Ohio, Sam has served as President and Executive Director of the Speech Communication Association of Ohio and editor of the Ohio Speech Journal. He is a current or former member of several journals’ editorial boards, including the Communication Teacher, The Basic Communication Course Annual and the Ohio Speech Journal.

Faculty perspective

"Being a college professor is a pretty good job. Being a college professor at UD is a great job! I get to read and write about the things that interest me, and I work with a group of fascinating people who are passionate and committed to what they are doing. In addition, I get to spend every day with curious and motivated students who are focused on learning more about themselves and the world. I try to structure my classes to allow time for me to work one-on-one with my students, and that affords me the opportunity to get to know most of them and become immersed in their projects and sometimes even their lives. It’s also very satisfying to be a part of an institution where experimentation and innovation are the norm. Every day at UD presents significant challenges and new learning experiences."

Research interests

  • Communication pedagogy
  • Innovation in the classroom
  • Creating group problem solving
  • The role of space and environment in the classroom