Anita McDaniel

Anita K. McDaniel is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington where she teaches in the Department of Communication Studies. She specializes in relationship myths and the intertextual play between the visual and written texts represented in comic books. She likes watching students grow in confidence and overcome their fears. In the classroom, Anita tries to do more than make students better speakers or more ready for graduation. She tries to help them discover and maximize their strengths.

Education

Ph.D. in Interpersonal Communication, University of Texas at Austin
M.A. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, University of Houston, University Park
B.A. in Speech Communication, Texas A&M University

Specialization in Teaching

Quantitative research methods, advanced and basic interpersonal communication, public speaking, communication theory, mass media and society, the discipline capstone, voice and diction and small group communication

Research Interests

Interpersonal Communication
Comics Scholarship

Professional Service

UNCW University Studies Advisory Board (member, 2010-2020)
American Communication Journal (book review editor, 2013-2020)
American Communication Journal (managing editor, 2010-2013)
Carolina’s Communication Association (reviewer, 2007-2012)
Sex Roles (reviewer, 2006-present)
Provost’s Advisory Council (faculty representative, 2006-2007)
UNCW Campus Judicial Board (faculty representative, 2004-2020)
UNCW Campus Conduct Board (faculty representative, 2009-2020)
UNCW African American Studies Minor (co-coordinator, 2004-2010)
Minority Advising Program (subcommittee chair, 1998-1999)
Minorities in Communication (seminar facilitator, 1994-1995)

Community Engagement

Azaela Festival (research consultant, 2019-present)
Carolina Canines, Inc. (advisory board member, 2007-2009)
Easter Seals Foundation (board member, 2001-2003)
MCG Multiple Discourse Model (communications consultant, 1999-2000)
United Way Speaker’s Bureau (seminar facilitator, 1988-1992)

Honors & Awards

Faculty/Staff Recognition 2008-2013, 2015-2017, 2020, 2023
Discere Aude Award Spring 2019
Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 2005-2006
Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 2004-2005
Mike Wakker Award 1994
Speech Communication Endowed Scholarship 1991-1992