Blair W. Browning, Ph.D.

Education

• B.A., Business Administration, Baylor University
• M.A., Organizational Communication, Baylor University
• Ph.D., Organizational Communication, Texas A&M University 

Courses

• CSS 1302: Speech for Business and Professional Students
• CSS 3304: Small Group Communication
• CSS 3306: Interviewing
• CSS 4303: Leadership and Communication
• CSS 4304: Advanced Small Group Theory and Practice
• CSS 4311: Conflict and Communication
• CSS 5320: Leadership and Persuasion 

Research Interests

My primary research interests involve studying leadership – primarily interim or temporary leadership – as well as the intersections of communication and sport in social media platforms. In addition, I enjoy pedagogical work, as I believe Baylor has some of the best teachers and teaching methods that should be shared.

Teaching Philosophy

I strongly believe in the experiential learning or learning-by-doing approach, and have found that my students are much more prone to take ownership in the class if this transpires. Thus, rather than simply give definitions of what servant-leadership is, for example, we go out as a leadership class and serve throughout the semester. Hopefully my students realize that indeed leaders lead, but also, that leaders serve and these two statements are in no way contradictory. Experiences such as leading through serving where themes/terms/etc. of our class are put into practice make me confident that these lessons will resonate for much longer than one of my lectures. That said, time in the classroom is immensely valuable, as well. I hope to always create a comfortable classroom environment where students are not only inspired to listen, but also to participate and assist in the learning process.

Professional Service

I serve as Chair of the department, after serving as Undergraduate Program Director for nine years. Additional service on campus is that I’m a member of the Transformational Education Implementation Team through Arts & Sciences, as well as the SING Policies and Procedures Committee and the Journalism Student Publications Board. I also serve as the Faculty Advisor for Vertical Ministries.

Family, Outside Hobbies, and Interests

In my free time, I love spending time with my wife and fellow Baylor grad, Jordan, and our four kids: Keely, Boone, Addy and Kirby. Life is busy but fun - we’re active with sports (pick one and we have someone playing it, with me probably coaching it), church (Harris Creek Baptist Church), travel (beach or mountains are great with us!), and supporting our Baylor Bears in every sport! Sic 'em!

What is the best thing about being a Baylor Bear?

The people! The "Baylor Family" has always been a go-to metaphor at Baylor and it still rings true today where people will continually go the extra mile for others. There is nothing better than teaching at my alma mater and I’m thankful that Baylor has maintained our Christian identity while continuing to strive for excellence in everything that we do as a university.