Faculty & Staff
Brenda Armentrout, M.A.
- Davis & Elkins College, Elkins WV
BS Business Management, May 1978 - West Virginia University, Morgantown WV
MS Rehabilitation Counseling, December 1980 - West Virginia University, Morgantown WV
MA Speech Communication, May 1982 - University of North Carolina - Charlotte
Graduate Studies in Cultural Literature (1991-93) - University of North Carolina – Greensboro
PhD Program, Educational Leadership with a Concentration in Cultural Studies, 1998-current
Dr. Karen Ijams has a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Communication Studies. She has taught within the Community College and University System for the past 15 years. She has presented numerous National Convention papers and has published in the academic literature. Her dissertation explored the influenced that recalled dreams can have upon self-awareness and relational intimacy. She is a member of the National Communication Association and the Association for the Study of Dreams. She has been a performer in theatrical and musical productions. Her recreational interests include playing the piano, hiking, kayaking, reading, singing, swimming, waterskiing and writing.
Anne McIntosh, Ph.D.
Dr. Anne McIntosh earned a BA in Speech Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an MA in Interpersonal Communication from the University of Montana at Missoula, and a PhD in Communication from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. McIntosh is an active researcher publishing journal articles, consumer magazine articles, reviewing textbooks, and authoring handbook chapters in the field. She is the 1998 recipient of the Lucia Morgan Award from UNC-Chapel Hill and a 2004 recipient of the Learning Fellow Scholar at CPCC. Teaching at the college and university level for more than 17 years, Dr. McIntosh also consults in the private sector, specializing in workshop and seminar training on communication topics, including interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, conflict resolution, and baby sign language. She has served on several committees at the College including Virtual Campus and Long-Distance Learning and Program Review. Dr. McIntosh has authored the following books: (1) Sometimes I Talk, Sometimes I Sign (2000) which encourages social diversity and multilingualism and (2) A Montana Love Affair (2005) which encourages self-reflection and growth after relationship terminations. She is currently working on a third book tentatively titled, Epiphanies of Deaf-Hearing Marriages.
Cathey S. Ross, Ph.D.
Dr. Cathy Ross joined the Communication faculty at Central Piedmont Community College in the fall of 1999 after having taught here part-time for 2 years. She previously taught at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, the University of Georgia, and Winthrop University. Dr. Ross teaches Introduction to Communication (COM 110), Public Speaking (COM 231), Interpersonal Communication (COM 120), and Voice and Diction (COM 111). In addition to her doctorate in Speech Communication, Dr. Ross holds a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and did speech therapy in two regional school districts, York District #1 and Gaston County. As an instructor at Winthrop, Dr. Ross received the Phi Kappa Phi Excellence in Teaching Award and received two outstanding graduating teaching awards while at the University of Georgia. More recently, she was recognized at CPCC with the Instructor Award for Excellence for the Fall of 2004.
Tracie Sawyer, M.A.
Tracie Sawyer completed her B.A. in English from North Carolina Central University, M.A. in Communication from the University of Maryland – College Park, and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina – Charlotte. Based at the Levine Campus, she teaches COM 110 Introduction to Communication, COM 120 Interpersonal Communication, and COM 231 Public Speaking. Here at CPCC, she has enjoys serving as an academic advisor, serving on various committees and participating with several interview teams. Tracie Sawyer has also been recognized for her service and teaching with a Teaching Excellence Award and in multiple years by Who’s Who Among College Instructors. Her research interests include communication education, listening, nonverbal communication, educational policy, and critical pedagogy. Though it sounds idealistic, she integrates technology, diversity, and a learner-centered attitude to challenge students to question their current notions in order to contribute to building a better tomorrow.
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