Meet Our Team

Kris Paal is an Associate Professor in the Communication Studies department of Longwood University, where he teaches a variety of courses for the overall major and in the public relations concentration. Since 2014 he has taught courses such as Public Speaking, Inquiry into Citizenship, Introduction to Media Writing, Media and Society, Fundamentals of Public Relations, Conflict Resolution, Small Group Communication, Communication Ethics, and Communication Research.

Dr. Paal is the principal investigator and content creation lead for the Speech Lab and served as talent in multiple videos across the Speech Lab instructional content.

Dr. Paal contributes to the department and university in a variety of ways. He currently serves as the Civitae Speaking Coordinator for the Civitae Core Curriculum, where he is heavily involved with the development of teaching, learning and evaluating speaking skills across the Core Curriculum. Paal is also a faculty consultant for the Center for Faculty Enrichment (CAFE) and provides general pedagogical support for faculty who are teaching and evaluating speaking. He also serves as the academic advisor for the Nu Epsilon Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, which is Longwood University’s chapter of the official honor society of the National Communication Association.

Kris earned his Ph.D in Communication Studies from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and a B.A. in Speech Communication from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

Professor Jill Mitten

Jill Mitten is a Lecturer at Longwood University in the Communication Studies department, where she teaches a variety of courses for the overall major and in the digital media concentration. Since 2019, she has taught courses such as Public Speaking, Inquiry into Citizenship, Introduction to Media Writing, Interpersonal Communication, Small Group Communication, Contemporary Issues in Communication, and Media Criticism.

Professor Mitten is the research lead for the Speech Lab, managing focus groups and assessing content. She also served as talent in multiple videos across the Speech Lab instructional content.

In addition to her role in Speech Lab, Professor Mitten teaches multiple courses in the Civitae Core Curriculum and serves the university as a Speaking Fellow by providing pedagogical support for faculty in other disciplines who are teaching and evaluating speaking.

Professor Mitten is completing her PhD in Communication Studies at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She holds additional graduate degrees in English: Writing and Rhetoric (Virginia Commonwealth University) and Theatre History and Criticism (Ohio University), as well as her bachelor's in Theatre (Longwood University) and an associate degree (Richard Bland College of William & Mary).

Engagement Coordinator; Longwood’s Office of Alumni & Career Services

2021 Major in Communication with a concentration in Digital Media

During my senior year at Longwood, I worked as the project’s Instructional Research Designer. Using educational concepts like backwards design and pulling from pedagogical practices, I designed appropriate learning outcomes, instructional activities, and discussion questions for video content developed by the NCA grant team. I also conducted research on NCA approved speaking centers and programs to gather information about best practices, areas of improvement, and other additional information that may facilitate the development of Longwood’s own speaking center.

Having since graduated and now that I work both with students and alumni, it has become evident to me just how necessary it is to have strong speaking skills in both personal and professional contexts. I’m hopeful this project will equip citizen leaders with the communication skills needed to take initiative at home and at work and make a real impact in their communities.

2022 Communication Studies graduate with a concentration in Public Relations and minor in Business Administration

I am a 2022 graduate from Longwood University. As an aspiring Digital Marketing Specialize, I strive to create online material that is useful for target audience. For this project, I was hired as the Instructional Research Design intern tasked with assisting with writing the scripts for the instructional videos and example videos, writing the title and description of all produced videos, and developing the website. I hope that this project helps people develop more confidence in public speaking so that they may effectively delivery their message in an effective manner and no longer fear public speaking.

2022 Communication Studies graduate with a concentration in Digital Media and minor in Political Studies

For this project, I served as the Video Production Assistant Intern during the fall 2021 semester. Currently, I'm pursuing a career in News and Television production.

I believe a citizen leader inspires others to work towards a common goal of community betterment. Having effective communication and public speaking skills can greatly assist in enacting that change.

2022 Communication Studies graduate with a concentration in Digital Media

Will helped edit many of the videos for the site produced in the spring of 2022. He also served as the Media Coordinator and Content Creator for the Longwood University men’s basketball team.

According to Will, “I hope that others can use these videos as resources to really improve their communication skills, especially when it comes to public speaking. They are all super detailed and informative. I hope that everyone enjoys!”

2022 Communication Studies graduate with a concentration in Digital Media

Jamila graduated from Longwood University in May of 2022 with a Bachelors of Arts in Communication Studies and a concentration in Digital Media.