Josh A. Compton, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor and Department Chair
Office: Jester Learning and Performance Center 208
Phone: (417) 328-1960
Email

Current Research Projects: Compton is working on a chapter on the influence of political content of entertainment television on voters' attitudes toward politicians for an upcoming edited volume. He is also collaborating with Brian Kaylor of the University of Missouri on a chapter exploring the rhetoric of Pope John Paul II for an impending edited volume. In addition, he is collaborating with colleagues from Cleveland State University and University of Missouri on an analysis of late night comedy characterization of Osama bin Laden in monologue jokes and parodies.

Compton is also collaborating with a colleague from the University of Oklahoma on an experimental study that assesses inoculation's efficacy in the face of editorial cartoons. Compton is overseeing four student projects exploring various aspects of media characterizations of presidential vacations, including editorial cartoons, late night comedy, and conventional print media.

Why do you enjoy teaching at SBU? "I enjoy being a part of a strong Communication Department that challenges its students while providing opportunities for academic, professional, and spiritual growth."

Faith Dedications: Member of University Heights Baptist Church in Springfield, MO.

Educational and Professional Background: Dr. Compton earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Baptist in 1997, with majors in Communication and English and a Master's degree from Missouri State University in 2000, with emphasis in political communication, mass media, and image restoration. Dr. Compton completed his PhD from the University of Oklahoma in 2004, with emphasis in persuasion, resistance to influence, political communication and mass media, including the growing influence of entertainment television on political attitudes. He is a former high school English teacher and debate coach (Willard High School). Dr. Compton also served as a media consultant and speechwriter for the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy and as speechwriter for Oklahoma's First Lady during her statewide tour promoting early childhood programs. Dr. Compton joined the SBU faculty in 1998.