Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies

Dear students, colleagues, alumni and friends of the Dial Center, Welcome back to a new school year! As you can see in our fall newsletter, we have been busy here in the Dial Center since the spring newsletter came out. The newsletter highlights some of our favorite events, from the “Hope Speeches” we host twice […]

Read more "Letter From the Director"

By: Morgan Kelley Rolfs Hall is home to the William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies. The historic building includes a multitude of spaces: classrooms, offices, a communication practicum center and much more. After speaking with Dennis McCarty, Ph.D., director of the Public Speaking Lab, I was able to learn more about […]

Read more "What does the future hold for the Dial Center? Rolfs Hall renovations"

By: Victoria Riccobono The William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies welcomes Anisah Ari, Ph.D., as the new director of the Ambassador Leadership Program. With experience in communication studies and teaching, Ari said she brings “a proven track record of leading initiatives that empower individuals and organizations to navigate complexity, foster collaboration […]

Read more "Directing the new wave of leaders: Anisah Ari, Ph.D., starts as new director of ALP"

By: Layah Singh An average weekday for a student on campus means walking past student organization recruiters in Turlington and the noise of religious converters in the heart of the Plaza of the Americas. The easiest solution to this is to tune the world out by blasting your favorite playlist or podcast through your headphones. […]

Read more "Impromptu inspirations through public “Hope Speeches”"

By: Emma Harrington This fall, the William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies welcomes Benjamin Gaddis, Ph.D., as a new assistant instructional professor. Specializing in interpersonal conflict communication, Gaddis said he aims to empower students to approach difficult conversations not as a challenge, but as an opportunity for clarity, growth and connection. […]

Read more "Opening the door to dialogue: Benjamin Gaddis, Ph.D., joins the Dial Center with a mission to make conversations count"

By: Veronica Ramirez The William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies offers congratulations to Amy Martinelli, Ph.D., and alumnus Eric White. Their outstanding achievements were recognized during the 2025 American Forensic Association (AFA) National Speech Tournament in April. Martinelli, the director of forensics at the Dial Center, was the recipient of the […]

Read more "Dial Center speech & debate director and alumnus win big at American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament (AFA-NST)"

By: Elizabeth Keijl This fall, the William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communications Studies welcomes Jordan Johnson, Ph.D., as the new assistant director for the Speech and Debate Society. A Nebraska native, Johnson said she is excited to be moving to the Sunshine State and join the Gator Family. Growing up, Johnson had […]

Read more "Veteran coach and rhetorician, Jordan Johnson, Ph.D., joins the Dial Center as the new assistant director of speech & debate"

By: Layah Singh Finding your voice in a new environment can be difficult. At the University of Florida, it can feel even harder with the many opportunities available and the uncertainties that come with extensive applications or membership requirements. For 2025 UF graduate Pooja Manjakandy, the William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication […]

Read more "Finding your voice: An alumna spotlight with Pooja Manjakandy"