Richard West is a full Professor in the Department of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Southern Maine. He received his B.A. (1983) and M.A. (1984) from Illinois State University in Communication Studies. He left ISU in 1984 and taught at the University of Northern Iowa for several years (1984-1988). In 1988, he enrolled at the Ohio University where he received his doctorate under the advising of Judy Pearson--in Interpersonal Communication in 1991.
 
Rich's teaching and research interests have been diverse over the years. He has taught public speaking, interpersonal communication, research methods, communication theory, communication and AIDS, human sexuality, gender communication, family communication, communication and friendship, and communication skills for classroom teachers. His scholarly interests have spanned a number of different areas and cut across family communication, gender, and classroom communication. His work is primarily coauthored with Dr. Lynn Turner (Marquette University), with whom he shares a 20 year friendship and scholarly collaboration. His current research (with Lynn) explores the interplay between family life and classroom learning. Together, Turner and West have co-authored 9 books and a number of articles and book chapters. In 2003, their scholarship was honored by the Eastern Communication Communication. Both Ohio University and Illinois State University have honored him with their Outstanding Alumni Awards.
 
West is an active member of the National Communication Association and the Eastern Communication Association. He has served as the Division Chair of NCA's Instructional Development Division and is the Director of NCA's Educational Policies Board. Rich is the current President of the Eastern Communication Association and is a member of the Association's Finance, Site Selection and Publications Committee. He also sits on ECA's Executive Council. 
 
During his free (?!) time, Rich enjoys gardening, attempting New York Times crossword puzzles, and renovating his 100-year-old home on the Atlantic (with help, of course).

email: rwest@usm.maine.edu, phone: (207)780-5410