Instructor: Dr. Gloria Galanes

Welcome from Dr. Galanes (02:05)
Transcript of welcome
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I am starting my 23rd year here at Missouri State University, and have done a variety of things during my stay here. I have served as the founding director of the Citizenship and Service Learning program, was acting department head of Communication and Mass Media for three years, and acting dean of the College of Arts and Letters for one year. One of the most exciting things that has happened to me, with respect to teaching, was the opportunity to teach in London for the fall semester, 2006. WOW! Right now, I'm doing my favorite thing--teaching!

Small Group Communication is my primary specialty area and I've taught a small group course just about every semester since I started doctoral work in 1982. I also teach quantitative analysis (statistics), applied research, quantitative research methods (undergrads), and intercultural communication, among other things. My research interested have revolved around small group leadership, and I am co-author of two undergraduate small group texts.

My husband, Noah Karrasch, is a bodyworker (a Rolfer, for those of you who are familiar with the specialties) and my stepdaughter, Molly, graduated from Stephens College with a degree in musical theater a few years ago and now lives in Austin with her new husband. She's working as a personal fitness trainer, but she's also performing with Austin Playhouse, a professional theater, and is picking up points she needs to join Actors' Equity. Noah, who loved London just as much as I did, is going back this November, for two months, to teach in the North London School of Massage and to sing the Messiah with the St. Paul's Cathedral Chorus (a long story). I will join him to spend Christmas and New Year's Eve there (along with friends of ours from Arizona). And I will teach in London for a month next summer, in 2009.

We have two cats, Cindy (the princess), who is 10--a black and white tuxedo cat with white paws, white tail tip, and a white spot on her nose--and Teddy, a big orange tabby with gorgeous markings, who is 11.