鶹ԭ communication studies professor earns endowed position
Sep 1, 2026
鶹ԭ is pleased to announce that Dr. Janine Armstrong has accepted the position of Robin D. and Jeanette M. Lahman Endowed Scholar in Communication Studies.
Armstrong joined ѲԳٱUniversity’s faculty in Fall 2025 as avisiting assistant professor of communication studies.She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of the Ozarks, hermaster’sfrom the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and her Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University.Herareas ofexpertiseinclude intersectionality, race,genderand sexuality,faithand interpersonal communication.
She isa member ofManchester’sValues,Ideasand the Arts (VIA) committee.She was also a contributing writerfor鶹ԭ faculty’s third edition of“Communication Across Contexts: A Listening-Centered Approach to Communication.”
“I have some ofthebest colleagues ever,” said Armstrong.“Manchester Communication Studies faculty are dedicated educators who incorporate‘respecting the infinite worth of every individual’into every course we teach.I’mhonored to work alongside them.”
The Robin D. and Jeanette M. Lahman Endowment is rooted in the work of Dr. Paul W. Keller, who, at a time when many communication programs emphasized interpersonal and mediated persuasiveness, articulated dialogue as a collaborative process, developed an ethics of communication based in empathy and active listening, and focused on ways to reduce barriers to understanding. In recent years, Dr. Keller’s approach was extended by Dr. Mary Lahman, who integrated empathy and active listening into foundational,interpersonaland philosophical courses.Today,communicationstudies at 鶹ԭcontinuesto be grounded in the work of Keller and Lahman.
Foundedon the system of linguistic philosophy called general semantics, which exploresthe arbitrary nature of words and symbols andattemptsto refine ways of using language,Manchester’s unique approach to communication studies is dedicated to exploringcommunication processes through the eyes of the listener rather than, as traditionally,through the eyes of the message-sender only. Manchester is recognized for its listening-centered approach to communication across contexts.
For the media
ѲԳٱUniversity, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences.With more than 70 areas of undergraduate study and 6 graduate programs, Manchester provides hands-on learning, personalized mentorship, and career-focused experiences.Learn more atwww.manchester.edu/about-manchester.
鶹ԭ respects the infinite worth of every individual andgraduatespersons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
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