We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Abigail Kingsford as the new Graduate Program Director for the Master of Arts in Communication, Master of Nonprofit and Civic Leadership, Nonprofit Leadership Certificate, and Communication and Organizational Leadership Certificate programs. Dr. Kingsford follows in the footsteps of esteemed colleagues Dr. Charles Taylor and Dr. Regina Waters.
Hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, Dr. Kingsford comes from a long line of passionate educators. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Utah State University. Then went on to the University of Kansas to earn her master’s and Ph.D. in Organizational Communication. Her academic research interests focus on organizational identity, social mobility, and stigma in workplaces and non-profit organizations.
As an instructor, Dr. Kingsford focuses on engaging learners by helping them discover their own perspectives and expressing those ideas and views in meaningful ways. The classroom is a place for self-discovery and critical thinking, which is best accomplished when students want to engage with the materials. So, Dr. Kingsford attempts to make the theoretical concepts in her classes more accessible for students through the use of pop-culture and real-world examples in classroom discussions. As part of her commitment to student engagement, she utilizes universal design in her courses, an educational framework based on giving all students equal opportunities to succeed, whether they are learning online or in-person. Additionally, Dr. Kingsford enjoys taking the role of teaching into workplace development, helping industry professionals develop skills through workshops and trainings.
In her new role, Dr. Kingsford will use her skills as an educator to continue the development of the programs she oversees to best serve Drury graduate students. We are excited for the future under her leadership!
Want to learn more about Dr. Kingsford’s programs? Let us know here.
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