海角社区

Apply Visit

Communication and New Media

In This Section

Communication Faculty

Jason McKahan
Title	Professor
Email	JMCKAHAN@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Jason Grant McKahan, Ph.D. has taught at 海角社区 University since 2007. He has a Ph.D. from Florida State University in Mass Communications. He teaches across the curriculum in digital production, media studies and communication history.

Matthew Kushin
Title	Professor
Email	mkushin@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Phone	304-876-5361
Matthew J. Kushin, Ph.D. 鈥� Matt for short 鈥� is an award-winning educator and scholar who has the best job in the world: He gets to think, talk, and teach social media. He is the concentration coordinator of the Strategic Communication concentration in the department. Classes he teaches or has taught include: Social Media, Politics & Social Media, Principles of PR, Strategic Campaigns, Communication Theories, Communication Research Methods, Applied Communication Research, Communication & New Media, Writing Across Platforms, Introduction to Mass Communication, Public Speaking, New Communication Technology. Before joining 海角社区 University in the fall of 2012, he was an assistant professor at Utah Valley University.
Contact For	Dr. Kushin鈥檚 research focuses on social media, politics, and civic life. He has presented to audiences internationally on the subject via the United States State Department.

Monica Larson
Title	Professor
Email	mlarson@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Monica Larson has taught at 海角社区 since 2006. She received her BFA in Design from Syracuse University and an MFA in Web Development and New Media from Academy of Art University. Courses she currently teaches or has taught include Computer Mediated Communication, Advertising & Imagery, Graphic Novel, Game Design, Motion Graphics, Special Effects, and Advanced Internet Technologies. Ms. Larson also coordinates the Department’s Capstone program. During the 90s dot-com era Larson co-founded three high tech firms, serving as VP Marketing and Chief Creative Officer roles. Prior to her entrepreneurial ventures she worked as an Art Director for Robert Rytter & Associates in Baltimore, a full-service design and advertising firm. She continues to take on select pro-bono clients. Professor Larson’s sweet spot is the intersection of design, technology and storytelling.
Contact For	Brand Development, Design, Graphic Novels

Kevin Williams
Title	Professor
Email	kwilliam@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Phone	304-876-5723
Kevin Williams, Ph.D. holds degrees in fine arts and communication, along with a doctorate in the philosophy of communication from Ohio University. His academic work includes media studies and digital media production. Williams has published books and journal articles on music video, Frank Herbert’s Dune, scuba diving, and new technology.

Nader Chaaban
Title	Adjunct Professor
Email	nchaaban@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Nader Chaaban received his BA and MAIS in Communication from George Mason University, Fairfax, VA and his PhD from Howard University, Washington, D.C. Dr. Chaaban has authored a number of articles on various topics, including “How to Work with Students with Disabilities.” He authored three Instructor’s Manuals for different communication textbooks. His recent book, “From Lebanon to Africa and America: My Roots” deals with his struggles in the U.S. as a foreigner and how he finally became successful after completing his education goals. Dr. Chaaban loves working with students, especially those who are new to the U.S.

Sherri Messerli
Title	Adjunct Professor
Email	SMESSERL@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Sherri Messerli has been an adjunct at 海角社区 University since 2008. She received her undergraduate degree from 海角社区 and her Master’s in Communication Studies from West Virginia University. Sherri is a retired member of the WV Air National Guard where she served as Education and Training superintendent. Along with teaching COMM 202, Fundamentals of Speech, she is the coordinator of the adjuncts for the fundamentals sections.