Worthington named new director for the School of Communication and Journalism

Published: April 12, 2021

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Debra Worthington is the new director for the School of Communication and Journalism in the College of Liberal Arts. Worthington, who has been an active teacher and communication scholar for over 30 years, fills the position left vacant by Jennifer Adams, who is now the executive director of public affairs in the Office of the President at Auburn University.

Worthington joined Auburn as an assistant professor of communication. Prior to becoming director, she served in multiple leadership positions within the school, including associate director of the communication program, graduate program officer and associate director of the school. When asked about her new position, Worthington said, “While I will miss being in the classroom, I look forward to working with communication and journalism faculty, staff and students during an exciting time of growth and development for our school.”

Worthington’s most recent research has focused on listening, particularly in the area of measurement and assessment. Author and editor of several listening texts, her research has been recognized by organizations such as the American Society of Trial Consultants, the European Communication Research and Education Association, and the International Listening Association, as well as by multiple divisions of the National Communication Association. In 2017, she was inducted into the International Listening Association’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her outstanding research, teaching and service to the field of listening. In 2021, she received a special recognition award for her support and advocacy of ILA voting initiatives. She has received multiple research contracts and grants from public and private organizations and is past president of the International Listening Association.

Submitted by: Victoria Santos