Wes Fondren, PhD

Associate Dean - College of Graduate and Continuing Studies

Contact Wes Fondren, PhD

843-349-6656 wfondren@coastal.edu

Singleton 152

Spring 2023 Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

We don’t speak because it needs to be said; we speak because it needs to be heard. Most people don’t understand the difference. - Robert Smith, Ph.D.

Biography

Before earning his doctorate, Dr. Wes Fondren worked in the information technology field as director of technology for Boone Newspapers, Inc., a conglomerate that owns 45 media companies. The use of technology in the communication process is one of his research interests, along with media psychology and media effects. He primarily teaches Communication Theory, Communication & Technology, and Communication Research Methods.

In addition to serving as associate dean and associate professor, Dr. Fondren is also the director of the Johnson Brown Center which assists young adults that are unemployed or underemployed in developing workplace skills and training. Dr. Fondren has two daughters and two sons (three which have attended CCU), and loves coffee, movies, and college football.

Education

Ph.D., Communication & Information Science (Specialization: Cognitive Psychology), University of Alabama (2009)
M.Div., Samford University (2000)
B.A., Psychology, University of Alabama

Awards

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 Apple teaching award
2018 Chauncey Champion service award
2017 Distinguished Professor of the Year
2012 Edwards College advisor award
2012, 2018 Faculty Member of the Year, Athletics
2013 Panhellenic Council Role Model award
2014 Pat Singleton-Young Student Advocate of the Year award

Interesting Facts

Ranta, J., Davis, D., Bush, L., Vincent, H., & Fondren, W. (2021). Student-run agencies best practices: Replicating professionalism--matching the what with the why and the how. Journal of Public Relations Education

Fondren, W., Holody, K. J., & Bryant, J. (2018). Violence and sex in media. In D. W. Stacks & M. B. Salwen (Eds.) An Integrated Approach to Communication Theory and Research (3^rd ed.). New York: Routledge.

2017 Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award (CCU)
2015 Excellence in Teaching Award (National Society of Leadership)
2014 Student Advocate of the Year Award (Student Government Association, CCU)
2013 Faculty Member of the Year Award (Athletic Department, CCU)

Program Affiliations

Graduate Studies

Teaching Areas

Communication theory, communication and technology, media literacy, media effects

Research Areas

Media effects, media psychology, communication technology