MU communication studies professor earns endowed position

Manchester University is pleased to announce that Dr. Janine Armstrong has accepted the position of Robin D. and Jeanette M. Lahman Endowed Scholar in Communication Studies.

Armstrong joined Manchester University’s faculty in Fall 2025 as a visiting assistant professor of communication studies. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of the Ozarks, her master’s from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and her Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University. Her areas of expertise include intersectionality, race, gender and sexuality, faith and interpersonal communication.

She is a member of Manchester’s Values, Ideas and the Arts (VIA) committee. She was also a contributing writer for MU faculty’s third edition of “Communication Across Contexts: A Listening-Centered Approach to Communication.”

“I have some of the best colleagues ever,” said Armstrong. “Manchester Communication Studies faculty are dedicated educators who incorporate ‘respecting the infinite worth of every individual’ into every course we teach. I’m honored to work alongside them.”

The Robin D. and Jeanette M. Lahman Endowment is rooted in the work of Dr. Paul W. Keller, who, at a time when many communication programs emphasized interpersonal and mediated persuasiveness, articulated dialogue as a collaborative process, developed an ethics of communication based in empathy and active listening, and focused on ways to reduce barriers to understanding. In recent years, Dr. Keller’s approach was extended by Dr. Mary Lahman, who integrated empathy and active listening into foundational, interpersonal and philosophical courses. Today, communication studies at Manchester University continues to be grounded in the work of Keller and Lahman.

Founded on the system of linguistic philosophy called general semantics, which explores the arbitrary nature of words and symbols and attempts to refine ways of using language, Manchester’s unique approach to communication studies is dedicated to exploring communication processes through the eyes of the listener rather than, as traditionally, through the eyes of the message-sender only. Manchester is recognized for its listening-centered approach to communication across contexts.

For the media

Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. With more than 70 areas of undergraduate study and 6 graduate programs, Manchester provides hands-on learning, personalized mentorship, and career-focused experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.

Our mission and values 

Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.