2000 University Ave.
Education B.S., Manchester College
M.A., Ball State University
Ph.D., Bowling Green State University
Teaching COMM 201: Exploration of Communication Studies
COMM 320: Persuasion
COMM 385: Rhetoric and Public Advocacy – Investigating Hate Speech
COMM 401: Message Design for Communication Professionals
COMM 404: Political Communication
COMM 412: Rhetorical Criticism
COMM 420: Classical Rhetorical Theory
COMM 611: Theories of Rhetoric
COMM 612: Rhetorical Criticism
COMM 614: Contemporary Rhetoric and Social Issues
COMM 690: Narrative Theory and Criticism
Research Research interests include:
- Rhetorical Criticism
- Rhetorical Theory
- Social Movement Rhetoric
- Political Campaign Rhetoric
- Hate Speech
Selected recent papers and publications:
Messner, B.A., Jipson, A., Becker, P.J., & Byers, B. (2007). The hardest hate: A sociological analysis of country hate music. Popular Music and Society, 30(4), 513-531.
Apple, A.L., & Messner, B.A. (2001). Paranoia and paradox: The apocalyptic rhetoric of Christian Identity. Western Journal of Communication, 65(3), 206-227.
Messner, B.A., & Buckrop, J.J. (2000). Restoring order: Interpreting suicide through a Burkean lens. Communication Quarterly, 48(1), 1-18.
Messner, B.A. (1997). Achetypal evolution and 'new birth' from codependency. Communication Studies, 48(1), 76-92.
Messner, B.A. (1996). 'Sizing up' codependency recovery. Western Journal of Communication, 60(2), 1-24.
Service
- Officer, “Freedom and Responsibilities of Speech” Division, Central States Communication Association
- Member, Education Steering Committee, Indiana Civil Rights Commission
- Member, Diversity Interest Group, College of Communication, Information and Media
- Member, Advisory Board, Center for Peace & Conflict Studies
- Primary Departmental Advisor, Department of Communication Studies
- Member and Chair, Curriculum and Program Development Committee, Department of Communication Studies
- Member, Promotion and Tenure Committee, Department of Communication Studies
- Past Advisor, COMM Club (NCASC, BSU Chapter)
- Past University Senator and Member of Faculty Council
- Past Chair, Academic Policies Council, University Senate