Alice Lloyd College Faculty Present Research at Regional Communication Conference

Faculty and administration from Alice Lloyd College recently shared their scholarship on a regional stage at the Eastern Communication Association (ECA) 117th Annual Convention, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Sara Pitts, communications faculty member, and Dr. Allison Holbrook Southard, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, represented the College at the conference, which brings together communication scholars and educators from across the country to share research and best practices in the field.

Dr. Pitts and Dr. Southard presented emerging research focused on in-class instructor behaviors that can positively influence the retention of first-generation Appalachian students. Their work, Voices of the Mountains: Communication Practices that Empower Rural, First-generation Students, highlights the unique role faculty play in fostering belonging, engagement, and long-term success for students from the region, aligning closely with Alice Lloyd College’s mission of serving and uplifting Appalachia.

“It was really enjoyable to work together, bridging academics and administration, to consider how to best help our students. All of us on Caney Creek have the same mission to see students succeed, and this showed the power of bridging that gap,” said Dr. Pitts about the experience.

In addition to the joint presentation, Dr. Pitts also presented Networking in Action: A Classroom Experience with Real-World Impact, where she highlighted a networking luncheon hosted by Alice Lloyd College in spring 2025. The event, which Dr. Pitts planned and implemented with the instrumental help of Dr. Southard, connected students in COMM 426 with local professionals to support career exploration and relationship-building. The luncheon provided hands-on learning and meaningful engagement opportunities, reflecting the College’s commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

By contributing to national conversations about communication and education, ALC faculty continue to elevate the College’s impact while advancing strategies that support student success across Appalachia.

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