Three Case Studies: Preparing Students for Meaningful Community Leadership

This panel explores how democratic discourse, community problem-solving, leadership, and civic engagement can be fostered through communication courses. Presenters share insights on how their courses have empowered students to gain knowledge, build leadership skills, and develop potential solutions for pressing social issues, such as climate change, homelessness, poverty, and mental health challenges among youth. Through these courses in professional communication, web writing, and sports reporting, communication students hone their skills in sports communication, web design, and advanced public speaking. Moderator: Glenda R Balas, University of North Texas - Dallas Professional Communication Capstone Assignment: Teaching Leadership, Citizenship, and Engagement Panelists: Stacey O. Irwin, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Writing Toward Understanding: A Civic Engagement Study Through Sustainability Web Writing Adam J. Kuban, Ball State University, Taking the Lead to Fulfill a Need: Reviving Local HS Sports Coverage to Strengthen Community Connections