Matthew G. Gerber, Ph.D.

Education

• B.A., Communication, Southeastern Oklahoma State University
• M.A., Communication Studies, Baylor University
• Ph.D., Communication Studies, University of Kansas

Courses

• CSS 1302: Speech for Business and Professional Students
• CSS 1304: Argumentation, Discussion, and Debate
• CSS 3305: Advanced Public Speaking
• CSS 3307: Legal Communication
• CSS 4352: Corporate Advocacy & Public Policy
• Graduate Seminar: Image Repair Discourse
• Graduate Seminar: Rhetoric, Media and Culture
• Graduate Seminar: Public Discourse and American Foreign Policy
• Graduate Seminar: Argumentation Theory
• Graduate Seminar: Politics and Communication

Research Interests

My research interests are varied, and include: Argumentation theory and criticism, disability studies, image repair, corporate and legal rhetorics, and American foreign policy rhetoric. My most recent publication is co-authored with a current Baylor graduate student, and is about the rhetoric of romance novel book covers (did I mention that my research interests are varied?). My work has appeared in a number of different journals and edited volumes, including Argumentation & Advocacy, Contemporary Argumentation & Debate, Speaker & Gavel, Florida Communication Journal, and the Northwest Journal of Communication, among others.

Professional Service

I served the department and university as the Director of Debate and Glenn R. Capp Chair of Forensics for 19 years (2003-2022). I have dedicated much of my professional life to service of the college debate community, and I won the American Forensics Association (AFA) Distinguished Service Award in 2023. I served two terms on the NDT Committee (the governing body of college debate), and also served as the Chair of the NCA-sponsored Committee on International Deliberation & Debate (CIDD) which is tasked with the promotion of international debate exchange tours. I also served as the co-editor of Contemporary Argumentation & Debate,  and I presently serve on the permanent review board of Speaker & Gavel.

Family, Outside Hobbies, and Interests

I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy Texas BBQ, live music, and Baylor sports. 

What is the best thing about being a Baylor Bear?

I’ve always enjoyed the strong sense of family around Baylor students, faculty, and alumni. Bears stick together, and we support and protect each other throughout life. The caring community of people at Baylor is a real thing, not just a talking point.