Dr. Julie Welker, chair of Howard Payne University’s Department of Communication and professor of communication, was recently named to the Texas Speech Communication Association’s College and University Committee along with several communication educators from other institutions.
“These appointees represent the best and brightest professors from the fields of communication and theatre that Texas universities and community colleges have to offer,” said Wade Hescht, president of the TSCA. “As a committee, the members are spending this year working to encourage and improve speech communication and theatre arts instruction at the college and university levels.”
Membership in the TSCA is open to professionals, educators and students in the communication field. The primary objective of the TSCA is to promote speech communication and theater education in Texas high schools and universities. An annual conference is held by the organization for Texas communication educators and professionals featuring expert panels discussing topics related to the field of communication.
“We’ve worked to create panels and sessions at the convention that provide information useful to a wide audience of educators, to see needs and to provide assistance to local public schools or private schools that need help in different areas,” said Dr. Welker. “I think what we do as communication educators is particularly beneficial in helping students learn how to be more effective communicators in the professional world.”
Dr. Welker graduated from HPU in 1994 and then obtained her master’s degree in communication studies from Southwest Texas University in San Marcos. Dr. Welker also holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va. She returned to teach at her alma mater in 1997 and was recently recognized for 20 years of service at HPU.
She is also a member of and active in leadership roles with the Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Association, an interest group of TSCA; the National Christian College Forensics Association; and the Instructional Development College and University Interest Group. At HPU, Dr. Welker serves as the coach of Student Speaker Bureau, HPU’s competitive speech and debate team, and adjudicates at numerous UIL speech and debate tournaments.
