Paige B. Gloeckner, M.A.

Education

• Ph.D., Communication, Texas A&M University (in progress)
• M.A., Communication, University of Houston
• B.A., Communication, Texas A&M University

Courses

• CSS 3310: Communication Theory
• CSS 4319: Cultural Approaches to Health Communication
• CSS 4320: Health Campaigns

Teaching Philosophy

I believe education should cultivate both intellectual growth and ethical character. In my teaching, I strive to create a learning environment where students engage deeply with core communication concepts while also examining why those ideas matter. I encourage students to move beyond memorization toward thoughtful inquiry, considering how communication shapes understanding and experience. My goal is for students to leave my classroom able to critically evaluate the messages they encounter and produce, while recognizing the humanity of the people behind those messages. Learning, in this sense, is not simply the acquisition of knowledge, but the responsible and ethical use of that knowledge in real-world interactions.

My teaching is guided by a commitment to helping students understand communication as both a practical skill and a social responsibility. I design courses that balance conceptual understanding with hands-on application, allowing students to analyze real-world messages, practice effective communication, and reflect on the ethical implications of their communicative choices. This approach supports students in developing transferable skills while also preparing them to engage thoughtfully in all contexts.

I also emphasize reflection as a key component of learning. By encouraging students to connect course material to their own experiences and relationships, I help them develop greater self-awareness and intentionality in their communication. These reflective practices foster critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the role communication plays in everyday life.

Beyond the classroom, I am deeply invested in undergraduate curriculum development, particularly in course design and the articulation of meaningful learning outcomes. Because communication is a broad and interdisciplinary field, I believe students benefit from a curriculum that is coherent, comprehensive, intentional, and integrates foundational knowledge with applied learning opportunities. I regularly engage in professional development and service related to teaching and curriculum design, viewing these efforts as essential to supporting student learning and strengthening academic programs.

Research Interests

My scholarly interests center on health communication, particularly within intercultural and interpersonal relationships. I specifically focus on the ways marginalized and minoritized individuals navigate health-related interactions and how communication can contribute to misunderstanding, exclusion, or harm. Rather than pursuing a traditional research agenda, I use these questions to inform my teaching and service. 

I draw primarily on qualitative perspectives to better understand individuals’ lived experiences with health and communication. Drawing from personal narratives allows me to remain grounded in the human consequences of communicative practices and to critically examine how broader social and institutional structures shape everyday interactions. This orientation helps me remain reflective about the assumptions embedded in dominant health discourses and attentive to voices that are often underrepresented.

This scholarly engagement directly supports my role as a lecturer by enriching course content, shaping applied learning activities, and informing service efforts related to student learning and community engagement. By staying engaged with scholarship in health communication, I am better equipped to help students think critically and compassionately about communication, ethics, and responsibility in health contexts. Ultimately, my work in this area is guided by a commitment to supporting equitable communication practices and improving understanding of health experiences, particularly for marginalized populations.

Professional Service

• Health Communication: Society for Health Communication Member; NCA Health Communication Division Reviewer; APHA Public Health Education and Health Promotion Division Reviewer
• Teaching Practices: NCA Great Ideas for Teaching Students Division Reviewer; NCA Experiential Learning in Communication Division Reviewer; Preparing Researchers, Educators, and Scholars to Teach Online Certificate
• Curriculum Development: NCA Instructional Development Division Reviewer; Health Communication Certificate Committee Member; University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee Member

Community Service

• Move2BU Volunteer
• West Elementary PTO Member
• Sokol West Member & Volunteer
• DFW Okinawa Association Member
• St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church Member

Family, Outside Hobbies, and Interests

I was drawn to Baylor for its focus on undergraduate education and Christian mission, and close proximity to me and my husband Matthew's families. Matthew works a 28-day rotation as a mooring master doing ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf. In addition to caring for our children, pets, and 40-acre homestead, he and I are also renovating a local grocery store that is a vital part to our community. The encouragement and opportunity to use our God-given gifts to serve others is one of the best parts of being at Baylor. Sic 'em, Bears!