Ph.D.Communication Studiesuniversity of Kansas1999
Ford, Debra J.1
EDUCATION______
DegreeDisciplineInstitutionYear
Ph.D.Communication StudiesUniversity of Kansas1999
M.A.Communication StudiesUniversity of Nebraska-Omaha1990
B.A.Communication University of Nebraska-Omaha1985
Honors Program Graduate
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE______
Rank/PositionDepartmentInstitutionYear
Research Asst. ProfessorSchool of NursingUniv. of KS School of Nursing2006-Present
Courtesy ProfessorCommunication StudiesUniversity of KS Comm. Studies2015-Present
Research Asst. ProfessorSchool of MedicineUniv. of KS School of Medicine2008-Present
Dept: Health Policy & Management (Joint Appointment)
LecturerCommunication StudiesUniversity of Kansas2001, 2004, 2008, 20102013-2015
Basic Course DirectorCommunication StudiesUniversity of Kansas2003-2006
Assistant ProfessorCommunication StudiesCreighton University1999-2003
Asst. Basic Course
DirectorCommunication StudiesUniversity of Kansas1996-1997
Grad. Teaching AssistantCommunication StudiesUniversity of Kansas1995-1997
Grad. Teaching AssistantCommunication University of Nebraska-Omaha1985-1986
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE______
Program Director, Leadership Major, Graduate Programs University of Kansas School of Nursing
2009-Present
- Coordinate course offerings, program requirements, and faculty and student needs in organizational leadership, nursing informatics, clinical research management and public health nursing MS and DNP specializations.
Graduate Advising Specialist, University of Kansas School of Nursing, 2014-Present
- Serve as project manager to offer advising information to approximately 400 MS, DNP and PhD students through website development, regular online advising sessions, and individual advising appointments.
Associate Dean, Student AffairsUniversity of Kansas School of Nursing1/2012-9/2013
Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, University of Kansas School of Nursing8/2006-1/2012
- Collaborate with associate and assistant deans in the School of Nursing in strategic planning, policy development, annual budgeting and fiscal monitoring, developing and implementing new initiatives, reviewing and revising admission requirements and evaluating quality of all missions for the school.
- Provide leadership for all activities in the Student Affairs Office.
- Develop, implement and evaluate comprehensive recruitment plan for all nursing programs.
- Coordinate development and implementation of online application processes for all SoN programs.
- Recruit and manage admission process for doctoral students, as well as all programs when needed.
Basic Course DirectorCommunication StudiesUniversity of Kansas2003-2006
- Coordinated an average of 85 sections per year of public speaking, including development of course objectives, administration of course policies, plagiarism policy implementation, exemption exam, and textbook selection.
- Supervised approximately 24 GTAs and 2 assistant directors, including orientation, coaching and performance evaluation.
- Oversaw approximately $250,000 in credit hour generation for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
Graduate Recruiter/School of NursingUniversity of Kansas1997-1999
RN AdvisorOffice of Student Affairs
- Developed, implemented and evaluated recruitment plan, including marketing, interviewing prospective students, academic advising, follow-up and assistance through the graduate admission process, including web-based programs.
- Coordinated student services programs for students in web-based programs, including admissions, financial aid, academic advising and enrollment.
Advisor/RecruiterSchool of NursingUniversity of Kansas1989-1994
- Increased number of applications to program by 87% through recruitment activities; average accepted student GPA increased from 3.01 to 3.5.
- Developed, implemented and evaluated recruitment plan, including marketing, interviewing prospective students, academic advising, follow-up and assistance through the college admission process.
- Managed enrollment for 300 students per year, including academic advising, registration, coordination with faculty and administrators, student retention and degree audits.
College Field Representative Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health1986-1988
- Tripled enrollment of freshman class through recruiting activities.
- Represented Methodist to diverse individuals and groups during college fairs, high school visits, agency staff meetings, office visits and hospital inservice sessions.
- Coordinated the design and implementation of a performance appraisal system for college faculty.
HONORS & AWARDS______
Best Research Poster Presentation: 2014 Nursing Research Council Symposium, University of Kansas Hospital
(Peltzer, Ford, Shen, & Teel)
Outstanding Service Award, Central States Communication Association, 2013 Annual Conference, Kansas City, Missouri, for Local Arrangements Chair
Top Paper, Organizational & Professional Communication Division, Central States Communication Association,
2007 Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN (Bisel, Ford & Keyton)
Top Paper, Interpersonal Communication Division, Central States Communication Association, 2007 Annual
Conference, Minneapolis, MN (Koesten, Schrodt & Ford)
Donn W. Parson Graduate Faculty Mentorship Award, Communication Studies2006
University of Kansas
Twice-nominated for the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence
Creighton University’s highest award for teaching 2002, 2003
Touchstone Award Winner (with co-authors E. Kirby & L. Harter), Communication Teacher2001
Omicron Delta Kappa, leadership honorary1985
GRANT WRITING______
2014OGR Faculty Research Grant$2000
Co-PI with L. Manos to support Language, Power & Identity Project to conduct focus groups;
July, 2014-December, 2015.
2013Nurse Faculty Loan Program$17,832
Dept. of Health & Human Services, Health Resources & Services AdministrationRole: PI
Competitive grant to provide loan funds to graduate nursing students planning careers as nurse faculty.
2013Nurse Educator Service Program$32,000
Kansas Board of RegentsRole: PI
Competitive grant to provide loan funds to graduate nursing students planning nurse faculty careers in
Kansas.
2007Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (SuRROuND Program)$201,000
U. S. Dept. of EducationRole: PI
Competitive grant to provide fellowships to underrepresented nursing students to pursue the terminal degree in nursing. Supported two students in PhD program through degree completion.
2000Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska$4000
Summer Faculty Research Grant
Competitive grant to conduct a case study of the Health Insurance Association of America’s strategies
during the Health Security Act Debate. Project presented to faculty in fall 2000.
2000Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska$500
Faculty Development Research Grant
Competitive grant to support research project comparing medical student experiences with computerized interactive patients and standardized patients. Final paper published in Communication Quarterly under Harter, L., & Kirby, E. (2001).
1994U.S. Public Health Service, Division of NursingApproved, but not funded.
Nursing Opportunities for Disadvantaged Students Grant
University of Kansas School of Nursing
PI: Rita Clifford, RN, Ph.D.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE____(U=Undergraduate; G=Graduate; C=Co-teach)______
SubjectInstitutionYear
Theoretical Fdtns for Leading & Communication in Orgs. GU of KS School of Nursing2010-Present
Applied Organizational Communication GU of Kansas2014
Writing & Speaking for Decision Makers GUniversity of Kansas1998 & 2015
Teaching with TechnologyU of KS School of Nursing2014 & 2015
Nursing & Informatics Technology Applications G, CUs of KS School of Nursing2013-Present
Organizational Foundations for Leading ChangeG, CU of KS School of Nursing2008-2009,
Present
Organizational Communication & Program Planning G, CU of KS School of Nursing2007-2009, 2014
Organizational Rhetoric GU of Kansas2001, 2008, 2013, 2015
Guest Instructor: Health Services ManagementU of Kansas School of Medicine, HP&M2007
21st Century Organizational Communication GUniversity of Kansas2005, 2006
Organizational Communication UUniversity of Kansas2006
Seminar in Teaching the Basic Course GUniversity of Kansas2003-2005
Proseminar in Communication Studies GUniversity of Kansas2004, 05, 08, 10
Introduction to Communication Studies UUniversity of Kansas2005
Honors Speaker-Audience Communication UUniversity of Kansas2004
Directed Study GUniversity of Kansas2003-2006
Organizational Advocacy GUniversity of Kansas2001, 2004
Organizational Advocacy UUniversity of Kansas2003, 2004
Independent Study UUniversity of Kansas2004-2006
Organizational Advocacy UCreighton University2003
Health Communication UCreighton University2000-2003
Interviewing UCreighton University2002
Managerial Communication UCreighton University1999-2003
Communication Theories UCreighton University2000-2003
Independent Study UCreighton University2001; 2003
Freshman Seminar UCreighton University2001
Effective Business Communication UUniversity of Kansas1996-1997
Speaker-Audience Communication UUniversity of Kansas1995
Public SpeakingUUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha1985-1986
Ph.D. Committees (School of Nursing, University of Kansas)
Anderson, Della (Program Committee Member)Present
Boos, Virginia (Program Advisor)2011-Present
French-Bravo, Matthew (Program Advisor)2013-Present
Dresser, Susan (Minor Paper Advisor)Present
Hewins Kelly (Program Advisor & Dissertation Committee Member)2011-Present
Nelson-Bradley, Heather (Dissertation Co-Chair & Program Advisor)2012-Present
Pabico, Christine (Program Committee Member)Present
Savage, Marian (Program Committee Member)Present
Thompson, Diane (Dissertation Committee Member)2013-2014
Walters, M. Renee (Dissertation Committee Member)2013-Present
D.N.P. Committees (School of Nursing, University of Kansas)
Basara, Dana (Program Advisor; Residency Preceptor; Capstone Chair)2011-Present
Boykins, Alexandra (Program Advisor)2012-Present
Camp, Kiersten (Capstone Chair; Program Advisor)2011-Present
Corbett, Kathy (Program Advisor)2012-Present
Edinger, Caleb (Program Advisor)Present
Ellis, Paula (Capstone Chair)2011-2012
French, Rebecca (Program Committee Member)Present
Glen, Jennifer (Capstone Chair through Method; Former Program Advisor)2013-2014
Goodwin, Linda (Program Advisor; withdrawn Aug. 2014)2013-Present
Guinn, Halie (Capstone Chair; Program Chair)2010-2013
Henry, Kristina (Capstone Committee Member)2011
Huff, Deborah (Program Advisor & Capstone Chair)2011-2014
Herbert, Valerie (Program Advisor)2010-2014
Hulett, Becky (Capstone Chair)2014-2015
Imhoff, Daniel (Program Advisor)2014-Present
Israel, Paula (Capstone Chair; Exam Committee Member)2011-2012
Janes, Thu (Program Advisor & Capstone Committee Member)2011-Present
Knoeppel, Cynthia (Program Advisor)Present
Mejia-Johnson, Lydia (Program Advisor)2010-Present
Julian, Dawn (Capstone Committee Member)2010
Luger, Shelly (Capstone Chair )2014-Present
McGee, Jerrihlyn (Program Advisor; Capstone Member)2011-2014
Miquelon, Liz (Program Advisor)2013-Present
Moody, Linda (Program Advisor)2011-Present
Murray, Lori (Program Advisor & Capstone Chair)2011-2014
Ohrloff, Denise (Program Advisor)2013-Present
Pepper, Rachel (Capstone Chair, Exam Co-Chair)2009-2011
Pietrocola, Marlene (Capstone Chair; Program Advisor)2011-2014
Pimple, Cathy (Program Advisor)Present
Saim, Sharon (Capstone Chair, Program Advisor)2011-2013
Stanfill, Teresa (Capstone Chair, Program Advisor)2014-2015
Tyzckowski, Brenda (Program Advisor & Capstone Chair)2009-2011
Vail, Lisa (Program Co-advisor; Capstone committee)2009-2010
Wheeler, Lynette (Program Advisor; Capstone Chair)2013-Present
Whitney, Cynthia (Capstone committee member)2013-2015
Withers, Gail (Program Advisor; Committee member)2009-2012
Young, Christine (Program Advisor)Present
D.N.P. Capstones Chaired & Completed:
Ellis, Paula (2013). The Clinical Nurse Leader as Guide to Decrease Unnecessary Hospital Admissions: A Quality Improvement Project.
Guinn, Halie (2013). Perceptions of Health Culture Among Occupational Health Care Staff.
Huff, Deborah (2014).Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Education Component for Staff Communication in an Assisted Living Facility.
Hulett, Becky. Clinical Nurse Leader Implementation Program.
Israel, Paula (2012). Obstacles and Opportunities for Independent Nurse Practitioner-Owned Clinics in Missouri.
Murray, Lori (2014). Development and Implementation of a Clinical Summary Tool for Improving Patient Centered Communication in Primary Care.
Pepper, Rachel (2011).Exploring the Emotional Care Needs of Hospitalized Patients.
Pietrocola, Marlene (2014). Nurse Executives’ Perceptions of the Barriers & Facilitators Associated with Reaching an 80% Baccalaureate-prepared Nursing Workforce in Rural Kansas.
Saim, Sharon (2013). Exploring the Influence of Generational Communication Preferences on Teamwork Effectiveness.
Stanfill, Teresa (2015). Nursing Leadership Competencies: Identifying Best Practices Through a Metasummary of the Literature.
Tyzckowski, Brenda (2012). The Caring Journey: Staff Development in an Eden Alternative Facility.
Vail, Lisa (2010). Coherent Leadership: A Case Study of Nurse Executive Leadership.
D.N.P. Capstones In Progress, Chair:
Basara, Dana. Feasibility Plan for Advanced Practice Nurse at City Union Mission.
Camp, Kiersten. Evidence Synthesis: Diabetes & Workplace Policy.
Luger, Shelly. Nurse Leadership Residency Program Design.
Wheeler, Lynette. Implementing Advanced Practice Support in an Acute Care Facility.
Ph.D. Committee Member (Communication Studies, University of Kansas)
- Dissertation Co-Chair: Alison Berry (with Dr. Adrianne Kunkel); Chuck Russell (with Dr. Tracy Russo); Alexandra Wages (with Dr. Adrianne Kunkel)
- Dissertation Committee Member (Completed): Attig, Heather; Bisel, Ryan;Blasdel, Tracy; Carver, Leilani;Clune, Katie Fischer; Garner, Benjamin;Guthrie, Jenny; Haugen, Jenna; Helens-Hart, Rose; Kennedy, Pamela; Jones, Ginny; Leonard, Lynnette; Lewis, Jenifer;Lueders, Allyn; Mabachi, Natabhona; Manning, Jimmie; Menzie, Kathie; Messersmith, Amber; O’Toole, Thomas; Peterson, Cindy; Pilgram, Mary; Shim, Cheongmi; Villamil, Astrid; Webb, Nathan
- Dissertation Committee Member Ongoing: Hodgson, Abbie
M.S. Committees (School of Nursing, University of Kansas)
Programs completed:Arthur, Jenny; Barrows, Ann; Boos, Ginny; Broich, Eileen; Brownback, Cher;Bryant, Summer; Burris, Laura; Cairns, Janet;Hardinger, Barbara; Hastings, Mike; Hatch, April; Hulse, Kathy; Huey, Kathy; King-Whitlow, Noelle; Miller, Rebecca; Noller, Tiffany; Pepper, Rachel; Rector, Deborah; Reschke, Alan; Riley, Shari; Rouch, Michelle; Schwartzkopf, Deborah; Smith, Maggie; Smith, Stacy; Thiebault, Jennifer; Thompson, Robin Albrecht; Werner, Anna; Winslow, Patricia
M.S. Research Projects (School of Nursing, University of Kansas)
Arndt, Heather (Su14, with Linda Adams-Wendling)
Brownback, Cher
Cantu, Karen (with Cara Busenhart)
Ireland-Hoffman, Ginger
Huffman, Gayla (Su14)
Ice, Jill (Fall 14)
Kimball, Tim (Fall 14)
Miquelon, Elizabeth (Fall 14)
Sanchez, Cherie (with Mary Meyer)
M.A. Committees (Communication Studies, University of Kansas)
Thesis & Program Chair: Ryan Bisel2003-2005
Integrating Control and Consent: Unobtrusive Control in a Community Leadership Program
Thesis Chair: Angela Woodard2004-2005
Second and Third Wave Black Feminism: A Generic Variation Approach
Committee member for M.A. programs completed:
Babbit, Liz; Borhart, Jessi; Cano, Paula; Cook, Stacy; Faimon, Samantha; Hampton, Cheryl; Heyne, Cliff; LaBerge, Justin; Mabachi, Natabhona; Mayekawa, Chet; Melling, Stephen; Mayekawa, Chet; Ohrt, Jennifer Kellie; Pauly, Jessica; Rose, Melanie; Theye, Kirsten; Villamil, Astrid; Weaver, Ryan; Wilinski, John; Wolf, Nan; Zurbuchen, Nancy.
BSN Honors Mentor, School of Nursing:
Ekholm, Erin (2014-2015). Rhetorical analysis & historical analysis of documents for Language, Power & Identity study.
Jantzen, Michelle (2011-2012). Examining Nurse Leader/Manager-Physician Communication Strategies: A Pilot Study.Published in BSN Honors Journal, 2012.
Steinhoff, Andreanna. (2009-2010). An Analysis of the Strategies Used by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) to Influence the Development of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Sturgeon, Kendra (2013; In progress.) America’s Health Insurance Plans’ Rhetoric Related to the Affordable Care Act.
Honors Thesis Committees (All at the University of Kansas)
Chair: Holmes, Nicole2005-2006
Ethical Public Relations Practices of Non-Profit Organizations
Chair: Santoro, William2004-2005
Paid to be Unethical: An Analysis of Controversial Artists of Today's Music Industry
Committee Member for: Karen Butler, Justin Mackey Christy Sims-Dale
SCHOLARSHIP______
PUBLICATIONS
Refereed Journal Publications
Peltzer, J., Ford, D. J. , Shen, Q., Fischgrund, A., Teel, C., Jameson, M., & Pierce, J. (2015). Exploring roles, goals, and barriers among Kansas registered nurses: A descriptive, cross-sectional study.Nursing Outlook, 63, 117-123.
Tarnow, K., Gamino, M., & Ford, D. (2013). Effects of continuing education: Do attendees implement tools taught? Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 44 (9), 391-396.
Ford, D. J., & Hoffman, M. F. (2008). Dancing with those who brought you: Managing internal communication strategies in change initiatives and process improvement efforts.Journal of the American Society for Quality, 34 (4), 17-20.
Keyton, J.,Ford, D. J., & smith, f. e. (2008).A meso-level communicative model of collaboration.Communication Theory, 18, 376-406.
Bisel, R. S., & Ford, D. J. (2008). Diagnosing pathogenic eschatology. Communication Studies, 59 (4), 340-354.
Koesten, J., Schrodt, P., & Ford, D. J. (2008).Cognitive flexibility as a mediator of family communication environments and young adult children's well-being. Health Communication, 24 (1), 82-94.
Bisel, R. S., Ford, D. J.,Keyton, J. (2007). Unobtrusive control in a leadership program: Integrating control and consent. Western Communication Journal, 71 (2), 136-158.
Russo, T. C., & Ford, D. J. (2006). Teachers’ reflections on reflection.Journal of Cognitive Affective Learning, 2 (2), 1-12.
Ford, D. J. (2004). Organizational advocacy syllabus. Communication Teacher, 18 (4), 120-124.
Ford, D. J. (2003). Prism analysis of the debate over the American Medical Association’s Health Access America Plan. Proceedings of the 2004 Alta Conference on Argumentation. Washington, DC: National Communication Association.
Ford, D. J. (2002). Book review: Public health campaigns: Evidence for behavioral change. Communication Research Trends, 21 (4).
Ford, D. J. (2002). Modeling emergent organizations: A proposal for using virtual reality in teaching.Preconference proceedings: Communication as constitutive of organizations.National Communication Association Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA.
Kirby, E., Harter, L., & Ford, D. J. (2002).Using standardized and computer-simulated patients as instructional tools for health care interviewing.Communication Teacher, 16, 1, 2 & 4. Touchstone Award winner.
Whitten, P., Ford, D. J., Collins, B., Speicher, R., & Davis, N. (1998).Interactive video versus traditional delivery modes for continuing medical education.Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, p. 18-21.
Ford, D. J. (1993). Tailoring strategies to institutional needs: A student-centered model for enhancing diversity. Proceedings of the Minority Student Today National Conference, 1993, 23-24.
Clifford, R., & Ford, D. J. (1991). Review of “The Registered Nurse Population: Findings from the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, March, 1988.” MAIN Dimensions, 2, 1 & 4.
Book Author
Hoffman, M. F., & Ford, D. J. (2010.)Organizational rhetoric: Situations and strategies. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Book Chapters
Ford, D. J. (In press).Communication.In E. Sullivan, Ed. Effective Leadership and Management for Nurses.
Ford, D. J. (In press; in revision).Conflict Management.In E. Sullivan, Ed., Effective Leadership and Management for Nurses.
Keyton, J., Ford, D. J., & Smith, F. E. (2012).Communication, collaboration and identification as facilitators of multiteam systems. In S. J. Zaccaro, M. A. Marks, & L.A. DeChurch (Eds.), Multiteam systems: An organization form for complex environments (pp. 173-190). NY: Routledge.
Book Editor/Co-Editor
Teaching Supplements for COMS 130, Speaker-Audience Communication, University of Kansas:
Ford, D. J., Leonard, L. L., & Mabachi, N. M. (2004). Basic course survival guide, 2004-2005. St. Louis, MO: Pearson Custom Publishing.
Leonard, L. L., Mabachi, N. M., & Ford, D. J. (2005). Basic course survival guide, 2005-2006. St. Louis, MO: Pearson Custom Publishing.
Mabachi, N. M., Leyerzapf, A., & Ford, D. J. (2006). Basic course survival guide, 2006-2007. St. Louis, MO: Pearson Custom Publishing.
Teaching Supplements for COM 314, Managerial Communication, Creighton University, and COMS 330, Effective Business Communication, University of Kansas:
Ford, D. J. (2002).Handbook for managerial communication.(3rd Ed.) Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Custom Publishing. Also chapter author of Fundamentals of Interviewing and co-author of Conducting Company Research.Substantial revision of original text.Worked in close collaboration with previous co-editor, Tracy Callaway Russo.
Russo, T. C., & Ford, D. J. (Eds.). (2000). Handbook of effective business communication.(2nd Ed.) New York: McGraw-Hill, Primus Custom Publishing. Also chapter author, Conducting Company Research.
Russo, T. C., Patterson, J., & Ford, D. J. (Eds.) (1997).Handbook of effective business communication.(1st Ed.) New York: McGraw-Hill, Primus Custom Publishing. Also chapter author, Conducting Company Research.
Unpublished Manuscript
Ford, D. J. (1999). The Rhetoric of the Angry Patriarch as Exemplification of Ideological Displacement: The Rhetoric of the American Medical Association During the Clinton Health Security Act Debate. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Kansas, Lawrence.
PRESENTATIONS
Refereed Presentations
Ford, D. J. (2015).Sea changes in the academy. Panel Chair.Central States Communication Association Annual Conference, Madison, WI.
Ford, D. J. (2015).Faculty burnout. Presenter. Central States Communication Association Annual Conference, Madison, WI.
Ford, D. J. (2015).Organizational communication analyses of the food industry, corporate reputation, career planning…and the culture of the New York Yankess. Respondent. Central States Communication Association Annual Conference, Madison, WI.
Ford, D. J. (2014).Elevating the classroom through experiential learning: Explorations of case-in-point as a pedagogical resource.Respondent.Central States Communication Association Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
Teel, C., Ebbert, D., & Ford, D. J. (2014). Faculty reflective evaluation for continuous improvement in the DNP Program: 3 illustrations. Poster presentation, American Association of Colleges of Nursing Doctoral Education Conference, Naples, FL.
Ford, D. J. (2013).Nurse advocates at the boardroom table. Presented at the 2013 National Communication Association annual meeting, Washington, DC.