Digital Commons Network^™

The Current - Volume 37 Issue 3, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Have You Done Your Duty? Impact Of Direct Mailing Campaign On Septic System Owners' Maintenance Knowledge And Behaviors In Coastal Texas Watersheds, Audrey Mccrary, T. Allen Berthold

Journal of Extension

As part of a watershed protection plan, the Texas Water Resources Institute and AgriLife Extension Service developed and distributed an educational postcard (``mailer'') about septic system maintenance to mailing addresses outside of public sewer service areas. The mailer was distributed four times within 1 year. The impact of this mailer was evaluated with a retrospective pre/post-test within a mailed survey. Overall, the mailer was effective at increasing knowledge of septic system owners and prompting maintenance action. Mailers can be a cost-effective alternative for educational initiatives where the target audience is not able to or interested in in-person or online programs.

From Consumers To Makers: A Community-Based Model Of The Diy Food And Beverage Kit Ecosystem, Mark Mitchell, Richard Martin, Sheila Mitchell

Atlantic Marketing Journal

The market for do-it-yourself (DIY) food and beverage kits continues to expand as consumers seek experiences that combine convenience, learning, creativity, and participation. This conceptual paper proposes a four-community ecosystem model consisting of consumers, makers, marketers, and consumption communities. Drawing on value co-creation, prosumption, experiential consumption, and diffusion of innovation theories, the model suggests that participation in DIY production transforms consumers into makers, fosters a maker identity, and encourages engagement in product-category consumption communities. Through sharing experiences and outcomes, participants attract new consumers into the marketplace, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of growth. The framework extends value co-creation theory by explaining …

Brand Gravity And Instant Adoption: Consumer Visitation, Loyalty, And Trip Chaining Following The Entry Of A New National Coffee Chain, Mark J. Sciuchetti Jr., Jianping Huang

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This study examines how consumers adopt a strong national brand immediately after its entry into a small regional market. Using anonymized mobile location data from the first twenty-nine weeks of a new Starbucks location in Anniston, Alabama, the analysis evaluates weekly visitation, repeat behavior, visitor origin distance, trip chaining, and temporal demand. The store opened above its subsequent steady state, indicating activation of preexisting demand rather than a gradual diffusion process. Repeat visitors generated 82.6% of visits within the observation window, showing rapid movement from trial to habitual use. The entrant also exhibited a flatter distance decay gradient than adjacent …

Where Shoppers Look First: How Navigation Bar Design Shapes Visual Attention Online, James Coyle, Linh Nguyen, Lee Hillman

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Abstract

Despite the crucial role that a website navigation bar can play in affecting consumer behavior, there has been a lack of theory-driven studies to investigate how to most effectively design navigation bars. Grounded in cognitive fit theory and visual attention theory, this study investigates how the effects of navigation bar design and content can influence visual processing of an unfamiliar online retailer’s website. A total of 40 subjects participated in a controlled experiment in which we gathered eye-tracking data. We find that navigation bar placement strongly affects how quickly participants locate the navigation bar: an unexpected placement more than …

Reducing Cognitive Load To Strengthen Customer Engagement: The Strategic Role Of Digital Tools, Neda Mossaei, Maryam Tofighi

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This paper examines how advanced technological interfaces, particularly chatbots and augmented reality, influence customer engagement by reducing the cognitive effort required to interact with firms. As digital tools become increasingly embedded in everyday life, companies are leveraging these technologies to streamline communication, personalize experiences, and foster long-term relational outcomes. Guided by cognitive load theory, this study argues that minimizing mental effort in customer–firm interactions improve engagement by making interactions more seamless and intuitive. At the same time, relationship marketing theory emphasizes that reducing cognitive barriers can cultivate customer engagement, trust, and loyalty over time. Together, these perspectives suggest that implementing …

Oct. 2026 - At The Table: How Mda Advocacy Turns Member Concerns Into Action, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The cover story provides an in-depth examination of the Michigan Dental Association’s grassroots advocacy framework, highlighting the successful enactment of Senate Bill 105. SB 105 addresses "virtual credit cards" by requiring dental insurers to offer reimbursement options without transaction fees. The article details how MDA staff, legislative leaders, and Political Action Committee (PAC) donors collaborate to identify member priorities, build legislative relationships, and educate policymakers. Emphasizing the essential role of practicing dentists in state capitol discussions, the story illustrates how grassroots participation turns practice challenges into legislative victories.

Oct. 2026 - 5 Clinical Questions. Better Clinical Decisions., Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature previews the continuing education program presented by Dr. Melissa Seibert at the 2027 Sun, Sand & CE Cruise. Focusing on minimally invasive caries management and evidence-based restorative dentistry, the article outlines five daily clinical challenges faced by practitioners. Topics include determining when to restore versus monitor lesions, evaluating caries risk, selecting therapeutic agents, and translating dental research into practical workflows. The piece emphasizes practical decision-making and peer networking to help clinicians improve patient outcomes and return to practice reenergized.

Oct. 2026 - Mastery Creates Presence, Anish Gupta D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Written by oral surgeon Dr. Anish Gupta, this reflective essay explores the connection between clinical mastery and patient-centered hospitality in surgical practice. Defining practice core values as "be the best, do the best" and "unreasonable patient-centeredness," the author illustrates how technical expertise frees clinicians to be fully present and empathetic with anxious patients. The article emphasizes that clinical competence should serve to alleviate patient fear, remove practice friction, and elevate the healthcare experience through mindful, compassionate service.

Navigating Text-To-Speech (Tts): Ethical Leadership In The Use Of Generative Ai For Extension, Xue A Dong, Paul A Hill

Journal of Extension

Text-to-speech (TTS) AI technology transforms written content into natural-sounding speech, offering a useful tool to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in Extension work. This article examines the role of TTS AI in bridging communication gaps, particularly for diverse and multilingual communities, and demonstrates the importance of ethical leadership in its adoption. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Extension professionals can leverage TTS AI to foster greater connection and engagement. Practical applications and examples are provided to guide the integration of TTS AI into programs. The article also offers recommendations for experimenting with innovative technologies to improve educational outcomes and increase the …

How Wisconsin Extension Educators Talk About Climate Change Without Talking About ``Climate Change'', Sky Hershberger, Todd P. Newman

Journal of Extension

Climate change touches all areas of Extension's programming. To understand how educators approach talking about climate change with constituents, we interviewed 15 Extension educators and three program managers in Wisconsin. Crops and Soils educators view climate change as interwoven with their work, Financial Education educators view it as mostly disconnected, and Community Economic Development educators range between these extremes. Educators in all three programs avoid the polarizing phrase ``climate change,'' instead focusing on specific, local, and relatable issues. Educators show empathy and emphasize resilience (adaptation) rather than mitigation. These findings can inform Extension's organizational strategy on climate change.

“None Of Them Use Facebook Anymore, It’S Just For Us, Internet Dinosaurs” Czech Media Education Teachers And Social Media, Karolína Šimková, Ana F. Oliveira, Annamária Neag

Journal of Media Literacy Education Pre-Prints

In today’s digital age, media education teachers are expected to be at the forefront of guiding young people through the complex digital world. This study aimed to explore how media education teachers’ personal and professional engagement with social media shapes their teaching practices in Czech primary schools (teaching pupils aged 11–15). Through 17 semi-structured interviews, we delved into teachers’ social media use, classroom discussions, and pedagogical approaches to media education to identify the distinct attitudes these teachers hold toward social media. The study shows that Czech media education teachers’ diverse strategies for integrating social media into their curriculum are primarily …

Unlocking The Performance Of Racial Dissimilarity In Subordinate-Supervisor Dyads: Collectivism And Communication Media Are Key, Orlando Richard, Rawia Ahmed, María Del Carmen Triana, M. Fernanda Garcia

All Works

As opposed to past literature in which racial dissimilarity has been largely examined through a negative lens, this study fills an important gap by revealing that racial dissimilarity between supervisor and subordinate can lead to a knowledge advantage. Based on the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity (AMO) framework, we conducted a field study of 151 subordinate-supervisor dyads to examine how dyadic racial dissimilarity impacts Elaboration of Task-Relevant Information (ETRI) and subordinate job performance when jointly moderated by subordinate cultural values and communication media. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression and mediation analysis. We found that ETRI was higher under conditions of dyad racial dissimilarity …

Wright State University Libraries Annual Report 2025 - 2026, Wright State University Libraries

University Libraries' Annual Reports

The 2025-2026 Annual Report by the Wright State University Libraries highlighting the various happenings at the University Libraries including staff updates, public services highlights, and events.

A Word From The Writing Team (October 2026), Pam Walter, Mfa, Laura Deloretta, Phd

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Book Review, Communication Wisdom: Insights On Communication Principles, Messages, And Relationships, Jack E. Rogers

National Forensic Journal

Edited by Philip M. Backlund, Steven A. Beebe, Ronald D. Gordan, and Sherwyn P. Morreale, Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group: New York and London, 2025, ISBN: 978-1-032-87681-8 (hardback); ISBN: 978-1-032-87676-4 (paperback); ISBN: 978-1-003-53389-4 (eBook).

Aligning Vision: Issues Facing Disability Accommodation In The Forensics Space, Ryan Corcoran

National Forensic Journal

No abstract provided.

Drawing The Circle: Framing Forensics As Educational Looping, Ben Walker

National Forensic Journal

In light of shrinking numbers on teams and at tournaments, Klosa (2008) called for more sustainable practices in forensics. Now with funding in higher education dwindling (Fenner, 2018), forensics needs to adapt to the changing landscape (Walker & Walker, 2024). This essay outlines how forensic coaches can align our co-curricular activity with a trending educational philosophy: looping.

Kindness As A Critical Lens: Ethical Considerations In Rhetorical Critique, A Adams, Emily Sauter

National Forensic Journal

In 2016 Brianna Kirkham stepped onto the stage to give a performance titled, “if ‘This Is Not A Rape’ isn’t a rape, then what is it?” based on the performance art of Emma Sulkowicz’s “This Is Not A Rape” video. Of over 100 entrants, Brianna Kirkham was named national champion for her performance in the final round. Kirkham instructs the viewer to “watch kindly” when viewing Sulkowicz’s video. However, this phrase is never defined. Instead, Kirkham interrogates herself and the audience. Are we, as participants within a competitive activity, watching kindly? Did she? By utilizing a performance that clearly alludes …

Introduction: Accessibility In Collegiate Forensics, E Meier, Justin Rudnick

National Forensic Journal

No abstract provided.

The Strengths Of Malleability, Annie Ward

National Forensic Journal

No abstract provided.

Looking Forensic Inaccessibility In The Eye: My Experiences As A Low Vision Competitor, E Meier

National Forensic Journal

No abstract provided.

Band-Aids And Bulldozers: Reimagining, Rebuilding, And Taking Responsibility For The Foundational Inaccessibility Of College Speech, Julie Walker

National Forensic Journal

No abstract provided.

Front Matter, Nfa Journal

National Forensic Journal

No abstract provided.

Cultivating Success: Exploring Mentorship In Collegiate Speech And Debate For Student Retention And Growth, Vanessa Fowler

National Forensic Journal

While many are drawn to forensics because of the allure of advocacy through public speaking and moving performances, there also exists the human element of forensics that continues to keep people involved and build life lasting relationships when the competition years are finished. Mentorship plays a distinctive role in the forensics community in the way coaches work to build their teams and for the students to have guides along their journeys whether they continue within the activity after their competitor years or not. This thesis delves into the pivotal role of mentorship within the collegiate speech and debate community, examining …

Editor’S Note, Patric R. Spence

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

This editorial introduces Volume 43 of the Journal of the Association for Communication Administration and situates the publication within the history of the Association and the communication discipline. It summarizes contributions addressing departmental leadership, academic middle management, organizational change, and professional association leadership. The editorial also describes ongoing efforts to digitize historical publications, correct bibliographic records, and improve access through an institutional repository. Emphasis is placed on preserving the historical record of communication administration and encouraging contributions that draw on practical administrative experience, professional reflection, and research.

Death By A Thousand Cuts: Thoughts On Protecting Faculty And Staff Morale From Ever-Increasing Administrative Demands, Timothy R. Levine

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

Faculty life is more challenging and demanding than ever. Many university administrators give lip service to promoting faculty and staff job satisfaction, retention, morale, and engagement. This essay focuses on one threat to the faculty and staff: the increasing bureaucratic demands from ever more bloated university administrations. A chair-level mitigation strategy is proposed in which chairs selectively shield faculty and staff from some of the burden, while prioritizing and explaining the merits of mission-critical tasks in ways that are transparent and align with scholarly values.

"A View From Mid-Field": Preparing Middle Managers For The Communication Paradoxes Of Change Management, Jennifer A. Sandoval, Robert S. Littlefield

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

In this study, 20 middle managers are interviewed about the increasing need for flexibility, responsiveness, and change management skills at a large, diverse, and public Southeastern university. The data reveal the middle managers identifying and coping with four paradoxical aspects of their change management role: the cognitive/internal paradoxes of capacity and knowledge and the behavior/external paradoxes of advocacy and process. The results demonstrate how these academic administrators managed the shifting terrain through internal agency (knowledge) and external agency (behavior). These paradoxes reveal the complexity of their role as a multihyphenate in today’s academic landscape as well as an overarching tension …

Charting The Pathways: Exploring Institutional Affiliations Of Past Presidents Among The Various Communication Associations, Aubree A. Herman, Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter Phd

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

This study examines the historical affiliations of past presidents of major U.S. communication associations to identify patterns in disciplinary leadership, organizational representation, and demographic change over time. By tracing the institutions associated with these leaders, the analysis documents both continuity and change in the sources of visible leadership within the field. Findings reveal substantial institutional concentration within individual associations, with a relatively small number of universities accounting for a disproportionate share of presidential terms. The results also demonstrate a pronounced shift in the composition of association leadership. Women represented only a small proportion of presidents before the 1970s but have …

Complete Issue Volume 43

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

This is the complete Volume 43 of the Journal of the Association for Communication Administration.