CSU Department of Communication Studies

We are thrilled to celebrate Court Fallon, who successfully defended their dissertation and earned their Ph.D. last month!

Dr. Fallon shared a bit about their work:

“My dissertation, ‘Beyond the Rainbow: On Rural Q***r Rhetoric,’ introduces rural q***r rhetoric as a theoretical framework that elucidates place and class as critical animators of gender, sexuality, and race in contemporary LGBTQ+ politics in the United States. This project brings together three case studies on Chappell Roan’s Midwest Princess persona, a rural LGBTQ+ campout, and speeches by rural transgender folks in conservative U.S. state legislatures to explore the ways in which rural q***r rhetorics work with, against, and despite metronormative narratives about LGBTQ+ identity and belonging. This work speaks to ongoing interdisciplinary conversations in rhetorical, performance, and gender and sexuality studies about worldmaking, place, and intersectional inquiry.”

Amazing work! In addition to this milestone, Dr. Fallon was awarded a Summer 2026 Dissertation Completion Fellowship from and will soon bring their expertise to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater at Rock County as an Assistant Professor of Communication beginning Fall 2026.

Congratulations, Dr. Fallon! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make. 🎉💛

Earlier this month, Kylie Johnson successfully defended her dissertation and earned her Ph.D.!

“My dissertation, “Friendships on the Fringe: Investigating Challenging Support Provision and the Associated Individual and Relational Health Outcomes,” builds on my earlier work exploring how people navigate difficult moments in supportive relationships. During my time at CSU, I investigated how support providers create boundaries around the amount and/or type of support they are willing to offer their friends. I also developed the concept of deceptive/reluctant support, which offers insight into how people may offer help when they don’t want to and/or in ways that do not align with what they think or feel. In my dissertation, I examined how the challenges providers experience and the strategies they use to navigate them impact both their individual well-being and the health of their friendships. Understanding these dynamics can help identify ways to improve communication, strengthen relationships, reduce harm, and potentially prevent friendships from falling apart altogether," said Johnson.

"I am deeply grateful to my advisor, Dr. Meara Faw, for being an exceptional mentor and collaborator throughout my six years at CSU, as well as to my dissertation committee for their guidance and support. I also extend my appreciation to the graduate students in our department, who consistently show up for one another with care, encouragement, and a shared commitment to making difficult moments feel more manageable. Finally, I want to thank every friend who has been part of my life. They sparked the curiosity that led me to this work and challenged me to think more deeply about how to care for others while also caring for myself. I am a better person—and a better friend—because of them.”

Congratulations Dr. Johnson! We are so proud of you. 🥹💚

Congratulations, Comm Studies grads! 🎓

We’re so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you will continue to do.

The world is yours! 💚💛

The final Comm Connect of the semester is here! See what's ahead this summer and how to stay connected with the Comm Studies community. 🌞

https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/gsypm25b7xa6W

Congratulations to our amazing Department of Communication Studies CLA award winners for 2026! 👏🎉⁠

✨ Meara Faw, Associate Professor - Excellence in Engaged Scholarship Award
✨ Kylie Johnson, Graduate Teaching Assistant - Excellence in Teaching Award
✨ Chris Gallegos, Academic Success Coordinator - Impact and Inspiration Award

You make us so proud! Check out the link in our bio to learn more about this year's winners.

Good luck with finals, Rams and have an amazing summer! ☀️

We’re excited to introduce the NEW Communication Studies minor, an opportunity to expand your skills, strengthen your major, and stand out after graduation!

With this minor, you can:

- Build strong oral and written communication skills to share your ideas clearly and confidently.
- Develop critical thinking skills to tackle real-world issues with evidence and purpose.
- Explore communication theory, research, and practice across different contexts.
- Customize courses to fit your interests and complement your major.

Whether you're preparing for your career, engaging in your community, or shaping your future, this minor helps you turn knowledge into impact.

Connect with your Academic Success Coordinator to learn how you can add this opportunity to your degree!

Your Comm Studies degree just got more powerful. ✨ We're launching NEW concentrations and there's still time to add one! Find the path that fits you:

• Media, Technology, & Popular Culture - Explore how media and technology inspire creativity, spark expression, and shape identity in today's culture.

• Rhetoric, Democracy, & Social Advocacy - Harness the power of communication to build community, engage democracy, and advocate for a better world.

• Leadership & Organizational Communication - Lead today's organizations into tomorrow through effective, strategic communication and collaboration.

• Interpersonal, Community, & International Communication - Build, sustain, and strengthen relationships across communities, cultures, and global contexts.

Connect with your Academic Success Coordinator to learn more about this exciting new opportunity!

Still sorting out your Fall 2026 schedule? 🍂

A Communication Studies course might be exactly what you're looking for! From leadership to media to human connection, there's something for every major and every goal.

Browse the full lineup on RAMweb! https://ramweb.colostate.edu/registrar/Public/Login.aspx