Our People

Erin Harrison

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Profile

Erin Harrison, M.A., is a faculty member in UNCG’s Communication Studies Department where she teaches workplace communication (CST 341). She has worked at The University Speaking Center since 2007 and served as Assistant Director of the Speaking Center from 2011 – 2023. She has published journal articles and presented research at numerous conferences. Erin is Chair of the Communication Centers Section of the National Communication Association. Erin has won awards for her communication center scholarship and service.  Erin’s interests include virtual learning, public speaking, and business communication. She can often be found wondering around campus getting ready to facilitate a workshop. 

https://www.natcom.org/about-nca/membership-and-interest-groups/nca-interest-groups

Education

M.A.  The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Communication Studies
B.A.   The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Communication Studies, Minor-Broadcasting & Cinema 

HONORS/AWARDS

2023: 2022: Nominated, Professional Track Teaching Excellence Award, UNCG College of Arts & Sciences

2022: Nominated, Professional Track Teaching Excellence Award, UNCG College of Arts & Sciences 

2021: Nominated, Professional Track Teaching Excellence Award, UNCG College of Arts & Sciences 

2021: Nominated, Alumni Teaching Excellence Award, UNC Board of Governors

2021: Awarded, Top-ranked Panel, National Communication Association, Communication Centers section

2020: Awarded, Top-ranked Panel, National Communication Association, Communication Centers section

2020: Awarded, Top-ranked Paper, National Communication Association, Communication Centers section

2020: Awarded, Preston leadership, Communication Centers section of the National Communication Association

2019: Nominated, Distinguished article award, Basic Course division of the National Communication Association 

2019: Awarded, Top-ranked Panel, Communication Centers section of the National Communication Association

2018: Awarded, Top-ranked Panel, Communication Centers section of the National Communication Association

2016: Awarded, Faculty Excellence in Research & Creative Activity Award, UNCG

2015: Awarded, Von Till Outstanding Newcomer Award, National Communication Association, Communication Centers section

2013: Awarded, Top-ranked Panel Award, National Communication Association, Communication Centers section

2011: Awarded, Outstanding Faculty Research Paper, National Communication Association, Communication Centers section

PUBLICATIONS   

Cuny, K., Southard, J. M., & Ellis-Harrison, E. (2022). Let’s talk: Learning to communicate well in emergency online learning. Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings, 2, pp.1-9.

Ellis-Harrison, E. D., (2021). Motivational Factors of Communication Center Tutors. Communication Center Journal, Volume 7 (No 1), 73-82 http://libjournal.uncg.edu/ccj/article/view/2179 

Ellis-Harrison, E. D., Myrick, C. (2020) Enhancing Conversations with English Language Learners in Communication Centers. Communication Center Journal, 6(1), 18-40. http://libjournal.uncg.edu/ccj/article/view/2038

Ellis-Harrison, E. D. (2017). Journalistic techniques in communication centers. Communication Centers Journal, 3(1), p.53-60.

McCall, J. D., Ellis-Harrison, E. D., Murphy, M (2017). It takes three to enhance: A pilot study of collaboration in the basic course. Communication Center Journal, 3(1), p.34-52.

Ellis, E. (2015). Using creativity and cooperation in staff training. In E. Yook and W. Atkins-Sayer (Eds.), Communicating advice: Peer tutoring and communication practice. (pp. 97-99).  New York, NY: Peter Lang Publishing, Inc.

Schwartzman, R., & Ellis, E. D. (2011). Catering to customers or cultivating communicators? Divergent educational roles of communication centers. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 1(14).

COURSES

• 2011- present Workplace and Business Communication (CST 341)
• 2016- present: Special Problems (CST 333)
• 2016- present: Communication Studies Internship (CST 412)
• 2023: Speaking Center Theory and Practice (CST 390)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• National Communication Association- Communication Centers Section, Chair, 2018-2019
• National Communication Association- Communication Centers Section, Vice chair, 2017-2018
• National Communication Association- Communication Centers Section, Vice-chair elect, 2016-2017
• National Association of Communication Centers, Secretary, 2015-2016
• National Association of Communication Centers, Student Advocate Leader, 2013-2016
• National Communication Association, 2012- present
• National Association of Communication Centers, 2011-present
• Carolinas Communication Association, 2011-present
• Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender, 2011-2012      

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

NATIONAL

• Ellis-Harrison, E., Brown, C., Cuny, K., & Lane, J. (2022). “Solving host hesitancy issues: Securing sites for the annual NACC Conference. National Communication Association, New Orleans, LA. 
• Ellis-Harrison, E., Poteat, K., Hernandez-Baez, R., Holzberg, D., Prentiss, S., & Salah, A.  (2022). “Together towards tomorrow: Designing and training to empower all. National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Greensboro, NC.
• Ellis-Harrison, E. (2021). “Great ideas for the center: Renewal and transformation.” National Communication Association Conference, Seattle, WA.
• Ellis-Harrison, E. (2021). “Renewing our focus on tutor training: The transformation of communication center tutors.” National Communication Association Conference, Seattle, WA.
• Cuny, K., Ellis-Harrison, E, Southard, J. (2021). “Let’s talk: Modifying oral communication competencies for online learning.” Pedagogicon Conference, (Virtual) Richmond, KY.
• Cuny, K., Ellis-Harrison, E., Southard, J. (2021). “Contemporary Communication: Curricular Support at the Center”. National Association of Communication Centers Conference, (Virtual) Greenville, NC.
• Ellis-Harrison, E. (2021). “Communication praxis: The Director’s Dilemma”. Carolinas Communication Association. Mars Hills, NC (virtual). 
• Quesenberry, B., Bingham, B., Ellis-Harrison, E., Saulnier, J., Sieczkowski, R., & Southard, J. (2021). “Organizational communication praxis: The director’s dilemma.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, (Virtual) Greenville, NC.
• Ellis-Harrison, E. (2021). “Open forum for Directors”. National Association of Communication Centers Conference, (Virtual) Greenville, NC.
• Ellis-Harrison, E., Stewart, B., Rossheim, C., & Carpenter, R. (2020). “Making a Difference in an Evolving Center: Best Practices for Engaging and Collaborating with Students.” National Communication Association Conference, (Virtual) Indianapolis, IN.
• Cuny, K., Ellis-Harrison, E, Southard, J. (2020). “Forced to Face the Crossroad: One Communication Center’s Early Response to an Impending Crisis.” National Communication Association Conference, (Virtual) Indianapolis, IN.
• Ellis-Harrison, E. (2020). “An Evolution of the Conversation Consultation.” National Communication Association Conference, (Virtual) Indianapolis, IN.
• Ellis-Harrison, E., Cuny, K. M., Sauliner, J., Southard, J., & Sieczkowski, R. (2020). “Organizational Communication Praxis: The Director’s Dilemma.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Clemson, SC.
• Ellis-Harrison, E. (2020). “Open forum for Directors”. National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Clemson, SC.
• Ellis-Harrison, E., Woods, J., Ramirez, A., & Paguada, D. (2020). “Studying abroad”. National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Clemson, SC.
• Cuny. K.M., Ellis-Harrison, E., Williams, T.L., (2019). Communicating Nanoscience and the Communication Center: A Pilot Study. Paper presented at the National Communication Association, Baltimore, MD.
• Cuny, K., Ellis-Harrison, E., Williams, T., & Kirchoff, B. (2018). “Communicating science.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Harrisonburg, VA.
• Ellis-Harrison, E., Forslund, E., McBride, K., & Bussiere, C. (2018). “Organizational consultations times two.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Harrisonburg, VA.
• Ellis-Harrison, E., Rickard, A., Hopkins, P., & Tanner, R. (2018). “Speaking centers in the community.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Harrisonburg, VA.
• Ellis, E. D., Risner, G., Hopkins, P. D., Ferrell, D., Reynolds, M., Cuny, K. M., Crandall, S., Sanders, L., Hobgood, L. B., & Kempf, D. (2017). “Our legacy, our relevance” in the center and other great ideas for the center. National Communication Association Conference, Dallas, TX.
• Ellis, E.D. (2017). “Factors of motivation for communication center consultants.” National Communication Association Conference, Dallas, TX.
• Ellis, E., Wiebel, J., & Davis, A. (2017). “Organizational communication praxis: The director’s dilemma.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Grand Rapids, MI.
• Ellis, E., Norton, C., Grieco, N., Young, C., Ismail, M., & Wilson, S. (2017). “Conversation groups: Using the center to provide support to international and ESL students.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Grand Rapids, MI.
• Ellis, E., Davis, A., Haacke, S., & Sindelar, K. (2016). “Organizational communication praxis: The director’s dilemma.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Pittsburg, PA.
• Ellis, E., Boucteb, E., Leek, D., & Zucker, A. (2016). “Interfaith bridges in communication centers.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Pittsburg, PA.
• Ellis, E. (2016) “Communicating with diverse students.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Pittsburg, PA.
• Ellis, E., Quesenberry, B. (2016). “GIFT submissions: Transforming centers through interactive activities.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Pittsburg, PA.
• Ellis, E. (2016). “Our civic callings in the center and other great ideas for the center.” National Communication Association Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
• Ellis, E. (2016). Investigative journalism techniques in tutoring sessions.” National Communication Association Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
• Ellis, E. (2015). “Advancing speaking centers with virtual workshops.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Fredericksburg, VA
• Ellis, E. (2015). “Workplace communication skills necessary in today’s world.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Fredericksburg, VA
• Ellis, E. (2015). “Role integration in unconventional consultations.” National Communication Association Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
• Ellis, E., Davidson, M., Walters-Kramer, L. & Wiebel, J. (2014). “Organizational communication praxis: The director’s dilemma: Consultants want more hours.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Glendale, AZ.
• Ellis, E. (2014). “I’m a news journalist? How speaking center consultants navigate a new identity in unconventional consultations.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Glendale, AZ.
• Ellis, E. (2014). “Let’s work it out: Managing conflict using effective interpersonal communication.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Glendale, AZ.
• Ellis, E. (2013). “Virtual workshops and speaking centers: A new dimension of online assistance.” National Communication Association Conference, Washington, DC.
• Ellis, E. (2013). “Communication center connections to the basic course.” National Communication Association Conference, Washington, DC.
• Ellis, E. (2013). “Advancing the online presence of speaking centers.” National Association of Communication Centers, Greensboro, NC.
• Ellis, E., Davis, A., Schoonover, K., & Zakia-O’Donnell, E. (2013). “Bridging the generational gap.” National Association of Communication Centers, Greensboro, NC.
• Ellis, E., Davis, A., & Williams, T. (2012). “Your class requires what?” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Richmond, KY.
• Ellis, E. & Davis, A. (2012). “When crisis called…We answered.” National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Richmond, KY.
• Ellis, E., Myrick, C. & Mann, C. (2012). “The evolution of the conversation consultation: Working with non-native speakers. National Association of Communication Centers Conference, Richmond, KY.
• Schwartzman, R., Ellis, E. D., Yarragunta, H. R. (2011). “Catering to customers or cultivating communicators? Reconciling divergent perceptions and roles of communication centers.” National Association for Communication Centers, Richmond, VA.
• Ellis, E. (2011). “A dilemma for African American women news anchors.” Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender, Chicago, IL. 

REGIONAL

• Cuny, K. Ellis-Harrison, E. D., & Southard, J. (2022). “Let’s talk about the connection between retention and instruction”. UNCG Adapt conference, Greensboro, NC.
• Ellis-Harrison, E. D. (2021). “Organizational communication praxis: Making center appointments.” Carolinas Communication Association Conference, virtual, Mars Hill, NC.
• Ellis-Harrison, E. D., Cuny, K., C., & Southard, J. (2020). UNCG Adapt Conference
• Ellis-Harrison, E. D. (2019). “Organizational communication praxis: The director’s dilemma.” Carolinas Communication Association Conference, Hilton Head Island, SC.
• Ellis-Harrison, E. D, Marinelli, K., Baker, D., & Kirby-Straker, R. (2018). “The Civic Role of Communication Centers”. Carolinas Communication Association. Charlotte, NC.
• Ellis, E. D. (2017). “Juxtaposing Roles”. Carolinas Communication Association. Clemson, SC.
• Ellis, E., Love, K. B., Smalls, M., & Cuny, K. M. (2014). “Organizational communication praxis: The director’s dilemma.” Carolinas Communication Association Conference, Greenville, SC.
• Ellis, E. (2013). “Organizational communication praxis: The director’s dilemma.” Carolinas Communication Association, Charlotte, NC.
• Ellis, E. (2013). “Incorporating google+ for group work.” Carolinas Communication Association, Charlotte, NC.
• Ellis, E., Love, K. B., & Cuny, K. M. (2012). “Organizational communication praxis: The director’s dilemma.” Carolinas Communication Association Conference, Aiken, SC.

SERVICE

UNIVERSITY

• 2017-2018: Communication Studies graduation speaker coordinator, UNCG
• 2017-2019: CACE (Conference on African American and African Diasporic Cultures and Experiences), Workshop facilitator, UNCG 
• 2017: Foundations for Learning (FFL) Instructor Institute, UNCG
• 2017: HELS Panel Moderator, UNCG
• 2015-2017: Harriett Elliott lecture series committee member (HELS), UNCG
• 2015- present: Speaking Intensive committee member, UNCG
• 2012-2014:  Student Employment Office, Employee of the Year Reviewer, UNCG
• 2013- present: UNCG Graduate School Judge of “3 Minute Thesis” Competition
• 2013-2014: Mentor for programs offered by UNCG Office of Multicultural Affairs
• 2012-2013:  Volunteer for Job Skills Program Interactive Resource Center, Greensboro, NC
• 2012-2013:  National Association of Communication Centers.  Reviewer for NACC Tutor of the Year Award
• 2011- present: CST 412 (Speaking Center Internship) Site Supervisor, UNCG

COMMUNITY

• 2020-present: United Way “Speaker’s Bureau” workshop presenter, Greensboro, NC
• 2018: “Communicating Science” workshop presenter, Greensboro, NC
• 2017: AmeriCorps, Greensboro, NC
• 2016: Speaking workshop for Dudley High School seniors, Greensboro, NC
• 2013-2014: Volunteer for Job Skills Program at StepUp Ministries, Greensboro, NC
• 2011-2012:  Minute It to Win It Contest Advisor, UNCG School of Economics
• 2011-2013:  City Hall “Speak for a Change” Participant, Greensboro, NC