Southeast Missouri State University’s Department of Communication Studies & Modern Languages is hosting the 2025 Emil C. Weis Lecture on Tuesday, October 21 in Grauel Building. The opening reception begins at 5 p.m. in the Grauel lobby followed by the lecture at 6 p.m. in Grauel 111.
This year’s distinguished lecturer is Dr. Abby Brooks, assistant professor of communication studies at Eastern Kentucky University. Brooks teaches courses in communication, conflict, negotiation and persuasion, and is actively involved in the Southern States Communication Association and the Southern Communication Journal. She is the author or co-author of 15 publications and was recently recognized with the Excellence in Teaching Award. Her lecture, “Communicate to Graduate: Essential Skills for Academic and Career Success,” will explore the communication tools students need to succeed in college and in their careers.
“The annual Weis Lecture is an opportunity to connect students with, and learn from, experts in communication studies from across the country,” said Dr. Lesli Pace, chair of the Department Communication Studies & Modern Languages. “Students learn how communication skills can be used in real life to reach career goals and communicate in ways foster meaningful dialogue across different perspectives.”
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More than just an annual tradition, the Weis Lecture provides SEMO students and the broader community with a rare opportunity to hear directly from nationally recognized leaders in the field of communication—an area that spans everything from interpersonal and organizational communication to media studies, public speaking, negotiation and conflict resolution. These skills are vital in careers such as business, journalism, healthcare, law, education and public service. The series connects classroom learning with real-world application, giving students valuable insights into career readiness while offering the community fresh perspectives on the role of communication in everyday life.
The Weis Lecture Series honors Emil C. Weis, a Southeast Missouri State University alumnus and former professor of speech and English. Weis chose a career in education, dedicating his life to developing students’ and clergy’s communication skills. He established the lectureship to give students, faculty and the community opportunities to engage with prominent speakers and deepen their understanding of rhetoric and public discourse. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information about the Weis Lecture Series and other upcoming SEMO events, visit semo.edu/events.