The School of Communication Studies welcomes Aaron Bacue as a new faculty member. Bacue comes to Kent State University with 17 years of experience teaching communication at the university level, most recently at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.
Bacue joins the school as an assistant professor, specializing in interpersonal, relational and non-verbal communication.
Bacue discovered the posting for the assistant professor position, and, being an Ohio native, decided to research the position and found many aspects of Kent State and the School of Communication Studies appealed to him. Some of these things included the school’s graduate program, the wide range of communication degrees offered and the faculty, staff and students within the school.
Interpersonal relationships are of great interest to Bacue which is clearly shown in his research and enthusiasm when discussing the subject.
“I find relationships absolutely fascinating, and that’s what I really study: relationships, and in particular the use of verbal and nonverbal skills in those relationships, but not in the way we think people will when we teach them these skills. I study the dark side of those things: how they use those skills to hurt each other, to make each other feel guilty, jealous or other emotions,” Bacue said.
Despite the somewhat intense nature of his research, Bacue is clearly a teacher who loves his students and his subject. He tries to keep things current in his classes by assigning students to bring in relevant examples of material being discussed in popular culture.
“I like to use a lot of visuals and pop culture references that students know. Every time I’m creating a lesson, I’m trying to put myself in the shoes of the students,” Bacue said.
Bacue will be a strong addition to the school’s faculty, according to Jeffrey T. Child, Ph.D., interim director of the School of Communication Studies.
“We are excited to welcome Aaron to the School of Communication Studies as a new faculty member. I believe that students will enjoy his energy, passion and expertise in communication,” said Child.
Bacue said that he hopes to bring humor and experience to the School of Communication Studies.
“For the students, I hope they learn and enjoy the process of learning. For the faculty and staff, I hope I come as someone who is committed to excellence and making this department the best it can be and helping in any way that I can,” he said.
Bacue will be teaching Interpersonal Communication, Communication and Conflict and Nonverbal Communication this fall.