Zac D. Johnson Department of Organizational Communication
Murray State University
309 Wilson Hall
Murray, KY 42071
Phone: (270) 809-4423
E-mail: [email protected]
EDUCATION
Ph.D., West Virginia University, Department of Communication Studies, 2010 - 2013 Dissertation Title: Alternative Breaks: The impact of student-to-student connections in
non-classroom service-learning experiences
Primary Area:
Instructional Communication
Secondary Area: Educational Leadership
Methodology:
Quantitative
Advisor:
Matthew M. Martin
Committee:
Scott A. Myers, Andrea Weber, Keith Weber
M.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College Student Personnel, 2010
Emphases on Student Life and Student Development Theory
B.A., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2006
Major: Communication Studies and American Studies
EMPLOYMENT
08/13 – Present: Assistant Professor, Murray State University, Department of Organizational
Communication
08/10 – 08/13:
Graduate Teaching Assistant, West Virginia University, Department of Communication Studies
06/08 – 08/10:
Summer 2009:
Graduate Assistant, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Office of Student Activities Academic Advisor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Arts and Sciences
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Undergraduate Courses—Instructor
COMM 100: Principles of Human Communication, West Virginia University
This course is designed to introduce to students to the communication discipline.
Topics covered include interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication,
health communication, organizational communication, and a variety of others.
COMM 103: Presentational Speaking, West Virginia University
Throughout this course students learn the value of effective public speaking.
Further, this course requires student to practice their own skills by delivering a
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variety of speeches geared to various audiences and appropriate for specific
situations.
COMM 105: Introduction to Mass Media, West Virginia University
The focus of this course is the role of media in the communication process.
Media’s impact on both how and what is communicated is examined through
both discussion and relevant theories.
COMM 203: Communication Cornerstones
This course presents students with a variety of communication theories across the
discipline including interpersonal, health, media, and organizational
communication. The chief objective of this course is to assist students in
recognizing the practical applicability of theory in their lives.
COMM 308: Nonverbal Communication, West Virginia University
This course exposes students to aspects of the communication process that are
considered nonverbal. Topics include vocalics, proxemics, haptics, oculesics,
and many more. Lectures incorporate practical examples, media examples, and
relevant theories.
COMM 316: Intercultural Communication, West Virginia University
Within this course students learn how communication can vary from culture to
culture. Students learn that culture can impact communication on a variety of
levels and across situations. Appreciation of diversity is a focal point of this
course.
COMM 403: Capstone in Communication Studies, West Virginia University
Students in this course focus on their ability to use their previous coursework in a
way relevant to their intended professional field. This course emphasizes student
interests and the broad applicability of the communication studies degree.
Undergraduate Courses—Administrator
COMM 100: Principles of Human Communication, West Virginia University
This one hour course consists of three sections each semester. Enrollment ranges
from 120-350 students per section. Course administrators are responsible for
managing various sections of the course. Specific responsibilities include
creating syllabi, schedules, policies, and assessment materials (e.g., tests).
Further, course administrators are responsible for dealing with any issues which
students cannot resolve with an instructor.
COMM 308: Nonverbal Communication, West Virginia University
This three hour course consists of 2-3 sections per semester. Enrollment ranges
from 175-250 students per section. Course administrators are responsible for
managing various sections of the course. Specific responsibilities include
creating syllabi, schedules, policies, and assessment materials (e.g., tests).
Further, course administrators are responsible for dealing with any issues which
students cannot resolve with an instructor.
Graduate Courses – Instructor, Extended Learning
COMM 608: Nonverbal Communication, West Virginia University
This course is designed for current K-12 teachers enrolled in the Off-Campus
Instructional Masters program offered by the West Virginia University
Department of Communication Studies. Throughout the course students are
exposed to a variety of nonverbal communication behaviors. Specifically, this
course deals with how nonverbal behaviors manifest in the classroom and affect
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the student teacher relationship.
COMM 694: Applied Communication Theory, West Virginia University (Co-Instructor)
This course exposes students to different communication theories. Special
emphasis is placed on the applicability of these theories to the workplace.
Students are encouraged to examine their own experiences in light of course
material and bring relevant examples from work to their course assignments.
CONFERENCE ACTIVITY
Johnson, Z. D. (2011). Empowering graduate students: Navigating the decision points. Panel
member at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Arlington,
VA.
Johnson, Z. D., & Booth-Butterfield, M. (2012). An investigation of the associations among
religiosity, humor orientation, and humor styles. Paper presented at the annual meeting of
the National Communication Association, Orlando, FL.
Johnson, Z. D., & Booth-Butterfield, M. (2012). Religiosity and forgiveness in the context of
collegiate roommate relationships. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern
Communication Association, Cambridge, MA.
Johnson, Z. D., & Martin, M. M. (2013). Alternative Break Experiences: Connecting with Peers,
Satisfaction, and Program Affect. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern
Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA.
Johnson, Z. D., Martin, M. M., & Weber, K. (2013). Applying the Instructional Beliefs Model to
Credibility and Instructional Dissent. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern
Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA.
Myers, S. A., Goodboy, A. K., Johnson, Z. D., Vallade, J. I., Vela, L., LaBelle, S. B., Bryand,
M., Sollitto, M., Thoma, J., Berkebile, T., Gillen, H., & Odenweller, K. (2012).
Developing a profile of the effective instructor: An initial investigation. Paper presented
at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, Orlando, FL. [Top
Paper, Instruction Development Division].
Odenweller, K. G., Berkebile, T., Johnson, Z. D., Dillow, M. R., & Rice, Z. (2012). Investigating
college students’ binge drinking behavior. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the
Eastern Communication Association Cambridge, MA. [Top Four Paper, Health
Communication Division]
Sollitto, M., Johnson, Z. D., & Myers, S. A. (2012). Peer relationships in the classroom: The
classroom as an organization. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National
Communication Association, Orlando, FL.
Sollitto, M., Johnson, Z. D., & Myers, S. A. (2013). Students’ Perceptions of College Classroom
Connectedness, Assimilation, & Peer Relationships. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the
Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA.
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MANUSCRIPTS UNDER REVIEW
Johnson, Z. D., & Booth-Butterfield, M. An investigation of the associations among religiosity,
humor orientation, and humor styles. Manuscript under review.
Johnson, Z. D., & Martin, M. M. Alternative break experiences: Connecting with peers, satisfaction,
and program affect. Manuscript under review.
Sollitto, M., Johnson, Z. D., & Myers, S. A. Students’ Perceptions of College Classroom
Connectedness, Assimilation, & Peer Relationships. Manuscript under review.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
• Executive Committee, 2020 Strategic Plan, Department of Communication Studies, West
Virginia University • Eastern Communication Association, 2012, Nonverbal Communication Division,
Reviewer • First Year Academy, Volunteer Speaker, “Communication in the Classroom”, 2011 &
2012 Discussed the benefits of majoring in Communication Studies with incoming
first-year students • National Communication Association, 2011 Conference, Usher • Eastern Communication Association, 2011 Conference, Paper presentation chair • Undergraduate Advising Panel, Volunteer Panelist, 2012
Discussed the process of applying to graduate school, assimilating into a new
environment, and graduate student life with undergraduate students seeking
admission to graduate school
• Student Government Ethics Committee Graduate Advisor, University of Tennessee,
Knoxville, 2010
• Residency Committee, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2009
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
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National Communication Association (NCA)
Eastern Communication Association (ECA)
American College Personnel Association (ACPA)