Jane Haas Damron, Ph.D.

Education

• Ph.D., Communication Studies (Interpersonal), The University of Texas at Austin
• M.A., Communication Studies (Interpersonal), Baylor University
• B.S., Public Relations, University of Toccoa Falls

Courses

• CSS 1302: Public Speaking for Business and Professional Students
• CSS 1305: Introduction to Communication
• CSS 3304: Small Group Communication
• CSS 3311: Interpersonal Communication
• CSS 3312: Nonverbal Communication
• CSS 4313: Family Communication
• CSS 4316: Advanced Interpersonal Communication 
• CSS 4324: Lying and Deception

Teaching Philosophy

My overarching goal in teaching is to motivate and facilitate my students' development as critical thinkers and lifetime learners. My inspiration and passion for teaching courses related to Interpersonal Communication is directly related to my belief that (a) communication impacts the nature and quality of our relationships, (b) the nature and quality of our relationships impact our overall quality of life, and (c) the discipline of Communication is a gateway through which we can explore the significant role communication plays in the human experience. I believe a combination of theory/scholarship and practice/application is key to students' meaningful and effective engagement and training within our discipline. I also believe that relationships are critical to the learning context; in my view, it is through cultivating a culture of openness, trust, and discussion that students are empowered to explore new and different ideas and to think critically about a variety of issues. It is important to me that my students are active in reading and evaluating recent and high quality academic scholarship, while also being able to make direct and practical applications for their own lives and intended professions. My ultimate aim is to prepare and equip my students to be mindful and strategic communicators in a variety of contexts, both professional and personal.

2019 Collins Outstanding Professor Award Lecture

Baylor Connections Episode

Research Interests

Broadly, my research centers on the ways in which relational partners jointly and communicatively navigate periods of stress and transition. More specifically, I seek to understand how the concept of social support, or "supportive communication," in close relationships is related to coping and relational quality. My most recent investigations are focused on communication between mothers and daughters.

Professional Activities and Service

At the current time, I serve on the Baylor Faculty Senate, the College of Arts & Sciences' Curriculum Committee, the College of Arts & Sciences Teaching Innovation Award Committee, and the Civil Discourse Strategic Imperative Steering Committee; I also chair the Department of Communication's Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. I previously served as a member of Baylor's Strategic Planning Group (which developed Baylor in Deeds) and as the Director of the 2024 Baylor in London study abroad program. I participated in the Summer Faculty Institute in 2019, and I was named a 2019-2020 Baylor Fellow and a 2025-2025 Bridgebuilding Fellow. In May 2027, I will be leading Baylor in the City, the Department of Communication's study away program in New York City. 

Family, Outside Hobbies, and Interests

In my free time, you can find me hanging out with my favorite person and husband of nineteen years, Caleb Damron. Caleb also works at Baylor, as the Associate Director of Facilities & Operations for the Campus Recreation Department. Outside of work, we love traveling, exploring Waco, supporting the arts, collecting art, reading, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, and playing with our mini schnauzers Piper and Maeve.

From 2022 to 2025, I served on the board of Art Center Waco and continue to be an active volunteer and advocate for the organization. In 2023, I curated an exhibition titled Of Warm Impermanence: Ty Nathan Clark and Vy Ngo, which was featured on Glasstire’s "Top Five," a weekly list that counts down the top five art events in the state of Texas.

Downtown Depot Episode

What is the best thing about being a Baylor Bear?

My favorite thing about Baylor is the Department of Communication! I am so proud to be a part of such a great group of faculty, staff, and students. More broadly, I love the sense of community and togetherness that is cultivated at Baylor. I am very thankful for the meaningful relationships I am able to develop with colleagues and students.

Baylor University Instagram Takeover