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About Kristen Cvancara, Ph.D.

For over 25 years, my work has supported the effectiveness of others in professional and personal spheres of life by reinforcing the skills, knowledge, and motivation necessary to be a successful communicator. Grounded in theory and research, my approach has developed into a pragmatic and purposeful curriculum. While all people communicate, I specialize in the study of subtle everyday practices to improve how messages and patterns of interaction can improve mental, physical, and relational well-being.

As a researcher, in the last 20 years my focus has orbited around the topic of positive and negative strategies used to influence others, mainly our closest relational partners (for example, romantic, friend, sibling, parent). However, for many people this sphere overlaps with other spheres of life to include coworkers, community members, teammates, etc. Thus, my work applies to diverse situations and relational contexts in which people want to be more effective and successful communicators.

As a professor, I teach undergraduate and graduate students how to apply theory and research to be more successful in everyday communication interactions. My goal is to activate individual agency and self confidence through awareness, understanding, and practice to improve the quality and satisfaction of student interactions with others.

As a leadership trainer, I work with professionals of all ages, stages, and positions to recognize communication strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies and tactics for achieving the kind of impact they seek. The process is demanding and personally rewarding for those who work with me.

Positions

2005 - Present Professor, Department of Communication Studies, Minnesota State University, Mankato ‐ Communication Studies
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Disciplines

Research Interests

Grants

2020 - 2020 Nadine B. Andreas Research Faculty Grant
MNSU, College of Arts & Humanities
Summer Research Grant
Role: Researcher
2014 - 2014 CMST Faculty Development Grant
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Faculty Development
Role: Research
2013 - 2013 CMST Faculty Development Grant
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Faculty Development
Role: Research
2012 - 2012 Fulbright Grant (Finland)
U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs
Teaching/Scholar Grant
Role: Researcher/Professor
Colleague(s): Dr. Maili Porhola
2007 - 2007 Nadine B. Andreas Research Faculty Grant
MNSU, College of Arts & Humanities
Summer Research Grant
Role: Researcher
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Professional Service and Affiliations

2020 - Present Univeristy Fellowship Coordinator, Fellowships Office
2019 - Present Manuscript Reviewer/Editorial Board, Journal of Interpersonal Violence
2019 - Present Vice President, MN Fulbright Chapter
2019 - Present Conference Planner, Textbook & Academic Authors Association (TAA)
2006 - Present Leadership Consultant/Facilitator, MNSU Leadership Institute
2017 - 2018 Department Chairperson, Communication Studies, MNSU
2017 - 2017 Research Consultant, Mankato Zero Waste - Community Environmental Initiative
2015 - 2015 Change/Leadership Consultant, Mankato Area Fair Trade Town Initiative (MAFTTI)
2012 - 2014 Department Chairperson, Communication Studies, MNSU
2007 - 2014 Board Member, Internal Review Board (IRB)
2008 - 2011 Director of Graduate Studies, Communication Studies, MNSU
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Honors and Awards

  • 2020-21, Faculty Fellow, Social Justice & Equity 2030
  • 2019-20, Elizabeth Kerney Womens's Leadership Participant, YWCA
  • 2014, Teacher of the Year Award, MSSA-MNSU
  • 2010-11, Presidential Scholarship, Greater Mankato Growth Leadership Institute
  • 2006 & 2008, Woman of Courage & Vision, MNSU

Courses

  • Advanced Interpersonal Communication (Graduate)
  • Leadership & Interpersonal Communication
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Undergraduate & Graduate Level Communication Theory
  • Undergraduate & Graduate Level Research Methods
  • Nonverbal Communication
  • Organizational Communication
  • Small Group Communication
  • Persuasion Theory

Education

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2000 - 2004 Ph.D., Interpersonal Communication & Relationships, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities ‐ Communication Studies
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1998 - 2000 M.A., Communication Theory, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities ‐ Communication Studies
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1988 - 1992 B.S., Marketing & Speech Communication, St. Cloud State University ‐ College of Business | Liberal Arts
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Links

ORCID

Journal Articles (6)

Book Chapters (2)

Conference Presentations (1)

Research | Teaching Works (1)

Book Reviews (3)