GUSTAVUS SPOTLIGHTS
Phillip Voight
Director of Forensics, Faculty Liaison SJPD Program
Communication Studies
Director of Forensics, Faculty Liaison SJPD Program
Communication Studies
Education
Ph.D., University of Minnesota (1996); M.A., University of Kansas (1989); and B.A., Augustana College (1987).
Tell us about life before Gustavus
Prior to Gustavus, I taught at Concordia College (Moorhead, Minn.) and the University of Kansas.
What are your professional/research interests and significant professional projects or accomplishments?
My primary research interests are social movement theory, political campaigns and elections, and in the rhetorical criticism of humorous texts. Professionally, I am interested in program development/administration, fund-raising, inter-cultural conflict resolution, and educational marketing.
What do you learn from teaching students?
I learn a great deal from teaching students. I'm always surprised at how we can be reading the same articles, but framing them entirely differently. My students inspire me and we frequently work out theory problems in class that provide the basis for future paper ideas. (EG: I'm working on a project about how shows like Nanny 911 articulate "rules" about parenting and reveal social anxieties about the family that are part of a moral panic over gay marriage.)
What do you value most about teaching at Gustavus?
I value the contact with students the most. Although some of my classes are large they are still small when compared to those at the University of Kansas -- where I team-taught a writing course for 70 students.
What do you value about non-classroom interaction with students?
My travels with the forensics team and with January Term and study abroad students have been enormously rewarding both personally and professionally. I value the opportunity to get to know students on an informal basis and in non-traditional settings.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading, cooking classes, photography, and travel.
Describe a community service project you've worked on with students or about your own community service or community involvement (on campus or in the larger community).
I have been a member of the Board of Directors of Outfront Minnesota and I am on the Development Committee for Philanthrofund. I have also served on the Mankato Pridefest Coordinating Committee, the SSP Educational Foundation Advisory Committee, and a variety of other charitable and non-profit groups.
What is your favorite Gustavus tradition or one aspect of the community that you like to highlight when describing Gustavus to others?
At the departmental level, my favorite tradition is getting coffee with my colleagues.
