Peter J Bicak, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communication
Chair

Faculty Athletics Representative

Courses: Basic courses in public speaking and interpersonal communication and courses in rhetoric, communication theory, persuasion, and organizational communication for communication studies majors.

Research Interests: Rhetorical/Historical analysis of political communication focusing on the American Presidency, propaganda, and analysis of popular texts to broaden understanding of rhetorical influences in common discourse.

Phone: (816) 501-4682
E-mail: Pete Bicak

Katie Fischer

Instructor of Communication

Courses: Basic courses in public speaking and journalism and courses in advertising, public relations, mass media, and media theory.

Research Interests: Gender representations in media coverage, cross-cultural journalism, media and public relations framing, and print journalism.

Phone: (816) 501-4390

E-mail:  Katie Fischer

Laura Janusik, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communication

International Listening Association (ILA) Board Member for 7 years

Courses: Basic courses in communication and interpersonal communication. Advanced courses in listening, group communication, and communication theory. Mentor undergraduates in communication research through independent study every semester.

Research Interests: Listening cognitions and behaviors. Application of cognitive psychology and biology research to communication research, particularly in the area of listening. Interpersonal communication in terms of listening and speaking strategies. Listening and learning, and the scholarship of teaching.

Phone: (816) 501-3186

E-mail: Laura Janusik

Timothy McDonald, Ph.D.
Professor of Music

Courses: Student Choruses, Music Literature and History, as well as graduate and undergraduate courses in the Humanities

Performances and Research:

• Sacred choral masterworks for chorus, vocal soloists and orchestra, especially the music of Mozart, Handel and Bach

• Music of J.S. Bach, Venetian Baroque Sacred Music, Medieval and Renaissance Music Theory

Phone: (816) 501-4077
E-mail: Timothy McDonald
Faculty Web Page

W. Spencer Musser, M.F.A., B.F.A.
Staff Member, Adjunct Instructor, Resident Set & Lighting Designer, Technical Director

Freelance Designer, Unicorn, KC Actors Theatre, UMKC,

Personal Interests: Beagle trainer, Film enthusiast

Phone: (816) 501-4040
E-mail: wsmusser@yahoo.com

Anne Austin Pearce
Instructor in Art, Director Greenlease Gallery

BFA Printmaking University of Kansas
MFA Drawing and Painting James Madison University

Courses: Drawing and Design I; Drawing and Design II; Painting I; Painting II; Graphic Arts

Phone: (816) 501-4407
E-mail: Anne Pearce

Faculty Web Page

Susan Proctor
Associate Professor of Theatre

Courses: Performance courses (acting and directing) Introduction to Theatre, Script Analysis, Theatre History, Looking Critically at Film and Stage, Live Theatre Experience, Freshman Seminar, and various Independant Studies

Research Interests: Directing, Dramaturgy, Theatre as a Social Commentary, World Drama, Performance Studies

Phone: (816) 501- 4877
E-mail: Susan Proctor
Faculty Web Page

Atif Rome
Staff Member, Resident Costume Designer and Costume Shop Supervisor in Theatre

Professional: Resident set designer at the Unicorn Theatre, designing costumes and sets for performances at the aha! Dance Theatre.

Personal Interests: Gardening

Phone: (816) 501-4118
E-mail: info@actorscraftstudio.com (attn: Atif Rome)

Will Valk, M.F.A
Associate Professor and Director of the Art Department

Courses: Two-dimensional Design, Three-dimensional Design, Drawing, Sculpture, Introduction to Art History, Integrated Humanities.

Research Interests:

• Infernal Machines (on sabbatical for 2001-2002 from Rockhurst University)
• Axe series
• Adze series
• Crossbow series
• Machine Gun series
• When I am old series

Phone: (816) 501-4035
E-mail: Will Valk